BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Kevin Stefanski ended Sunday’s camp practice with a 2-minute drill and the third string offense won the day, and simulated game.
The situation for every unit was simple – 1:10 on the clock, Browns trail 27-24.
Jacoby Brissett and the No. 2 offense got the first crack. Brissett overthrew receiver Anthony Schwartz with rookie corner Martin Emerson on the coverage before finding receiver Javon Wims for a big gain. Fullback Johnny Stanton IV caught a pass before the drive stalled and Cade York was called upon to tie the game, which he did.
Deshaun Watson and the first-team offense also settled for a tying field goal from York on the skinny uprights. Watson found tight end Harrison Bryant for back-to-back completions to open the drive. Watson’s deep ball to Schwartz was broken up in the end zone and rookie defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey registered a virtual sack before a Watson throwaway to stop the clock and allow York to kick successfully.
Third-string quarterback Josh Dobbs capped the touchdown drive thanks to a great catch made by tight end Zaire Michell-Paden in the end zone. They also executed a two-point try with Dobbs hitting Mike Harley Jr.
More than a returner – Jakeem Grant wants to do more than just return kicks and punts for the Browns.
“We will see what Jakeem is capable of in a role like that,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday. “That is our job as coaches to see what is available to us and utilize them to the best of their abilities. He has played offense. He is not just a returner. He has played and done some different things both outside and inside so definitely has a role to play, if that is what he earns.”
Grant is coming off a Pro Bowl season with after being traded from Miami to the Bears in 2021 and there might have been no one more excited about the signing than special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
“I have wanted to get Jakeem here the past couple of years,” Priefer said. “I think that is going to transform our return game.”
Grant, who averages 10.3 yards per punt return and 24.5 per kickoff return with six combined return touchdowns over his career, hopes to do more than that and carve a role out offensively.
“I always preach that I’m a receiver first before a returner,” Grant said,
“I feel like being my size, I automatically get pigeonholed as a returner. I don’t think nothing of it, I just let it to go the back of my mind and continue to work on my receiver game. And every opportunity I get, I capitalize on it.”
Over six seasons, Grant has caught 100 passes for 1,140 yards with seven touchdowns in his limited opportunities.
“I’m comfortable everywhere,” Grant said. “I’ve played the slot. I’ve played outside. Honestly, wherever coach wants to match me up and put me against a mismatch, I’m open for it. I played a lot of outside in Miami, and I played some slot in Miami, as well, so getting the chance and just familiarizing with knowing a defense inside and out from the outside and from the inside. Man, wherever they want to put me, I’m comfortable with.”
Night off – York was hoisted on the shoulders of teammates after drilling a 45-yard field goal to conclude practice, giving the team the night off from meetings.
York has missed just two kicks in team drills – from 58 on Saturday and 50 on Sunday. He’s 22-24 during team drills in camp to date.
Bringing home the gold – Browns chief of staff Callie Brownson and USA Football woman’s team won the gold medals Sunday, defeating Great Britain 48-14 in Finland.
Puppy pound counter – Eight puppies were adopted Sunday bringing this year’s camp total to 42. Since the program’s launch in 2015, 667 puppies from the Northeast Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have been adopted by Browns fans at training camp practices.
Roll call – DT Sheldon Day (back), CB Shaun Jolly (groin), LB Silas Kelly (hamstring) CB Denzel Ward (foot) and WR Michael Woods II (hamstring) did not practice due to injury.
Tight end David Njoku, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, offensive tackle Chris Hubbard worked on the side Sunday.
Up next – Players off Monday. Camp resumes Tuesday afternoon at 2.