BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – For all the conversation this week abut vaccine rates and NFL policies, the Browns appear to be in great shape.
Cleveland is close to crossing the 90% vaccination rate threshold among players executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry revealed Friday.
“We all realize that it is not over, but we do see a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel,” Berry said Friday. “A lot of people have contributed to making this a good environment for our players, our coaches, our staff and our fans to come back to our facilities so we are excited about that. I think a lot of people have been involved in making sure that the right information is out there regarding the vaccines.”
The entire coaching staff and 100% of the support staff have also been fully vaccinated according to Berry.
“It is really not an issue that we are really looking to have divide our team,” Berry said. “There are strong protocols in place for people who choose to be vaccinated and those who choose not to be. We will strictly comply to both. Ultimately, it is a personal choice for individuals. That is not something that we are really focused on. I think our team is in a really good spot in terms of coming together, bonding and embracing the work that we need to do to be ready for our season opener.”
Since the pandemic began, the Browns have been mindful of protocols and the science in an effort to keep everyone safe.
While their vaccine rate is headed in the right direction, vaccines rates across the country are not and the delta variant poses a threat but whatever adjustments may be required going forward, Berry and the Browns are prepared.
“I think that is something that we will continue to monitor and I know the league will continue to monitor as the science evolves,” Berry said. “We dealt with a lot of that, quite frankly, last year so I think we are pretty accustomed to. I would say we, not only the Browns but the NFL, are accustomed to being very adaptable. We will adjust as necessary to make sure that everybody is as safe as possible.”
Man of the people – Friday’s practice was the first with fans since 2019, albeit a smaller gathering of around 2,000.
Myles Garrett unsurprisingly had his name yelled all afternoon as fans – young and old – tried to get his attention. Late in the practice one fan joked with Garrett about his “retirement” from basketball as Garrett playfully shot a ball of tape at trash cans on the sidelines and sought advice on what he should eat so he can dunk.
“Eat some oatmeal, drink milk and maybe a little spinach,” Garrett responded.
Another fan yelled “the Cavs could use your help” to which Garrett replied, “So could the Mavericks” before he tossed his gloves into the bleachers.
While the crowd was mostly subdued throughout the afternoon, one fan lost his voice trying to lead “Here we go Brownies” chants. Another promoted his Facebook page. A pair of fans traveled from North Carolina to watch practice.
End of the road – The Browns placed receiver Derrick Willies on the reserve/retired list today.
Willies signed with the Browns in 2018 as an undrafted free agent. He appeared in six games over two seasons and caught three of five targets for 61 yards.
Best wishes – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski opened his press conference wishing Indians manager Terry Francona well and a speedy recovery. Francona stepped down as manager for the remainder of the season Thursday so he could undergo hip and foot surgeries over the next few months.
Injury report – LB Tony Fields II (foot) did not practice. S Ronnie Harrison Jr. (hamstring) and DE Takkarist McKinley (illness) both left practice early on Friday.
Puppy Pound counter – The Puppy Pound is back in Berea for a seventh consecutive year. The team said five puppies were adopted on Friday. Since the program’s launch in 2015, 577 puppies from the Northeast Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have been adopted by Browns fans.
Notable quotable – “When we didn’t win any games, I guess.” – LG Joel Bitonio’s response when asked when he knew they weren’t going to be good in 2016-17.
Up next – Practice Saturday at 2:25.