BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – As the Browns kicked off their Week 1 preparations for the Carolina Panthers, they made four roster moves.
The team signed a pair of former Steelers – tight end Jesse James and offensive tackle Joe Haeg – on Monday.
Both players, who provide additional roster depth at their respective positions, were on hand and participated in practice.
James is in his eighth NFL season and he’s appeared in 102 games with 63 starts as a member of the Steelers, Lions and Bears. He has 152 career receptions for 1,522 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if he views James as a more of a blocker or pass catcher.
“I think with his role, he has to be able to do both because you really are a backup to Dave [Njoku] and Harrison [Bryant],” Stefanski said. “Obviously, there are some moments all three of them could be out there together potentially. Really, it depends on what is needed for that game.”
Haeg enters his seventh NFL campaign where he has started 40 of the 79 games he’s appeared in with the Colts, Buccaneers and Steelers.
Stefanski disagreed with the notion that Haeg could be insurance if Jack Conklin isn't ready for Sunday.
“Not in those words.” Stefanski said. “I would just tell you tackle depth is really important in this league and felt like he was somebody who was available that was a good player.”
To make room on the roster, guard Drew Forbes and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk were waived. Cleveland has room to bring both players back to the practice squad if they clear waivers.
So, you’re saying there’s a chance – Stefanski indicated that Conklin could play against the Panthers but it’s too early in the week to say definitively.
“[I] Definitely want to see how today’s practice went,” Stefanski said. “It is all about for Jack stacking days on top of each other, back-to-back practices and those type of things.”
The Browns have been bringing Conklin along slowly as he returns from a season-ending torn patellar tendon injury that required surgery suffered late last November.
Back to work – Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, offensive tackle Chris Hubbard, safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. and cornerback A.J. Green returned to practice after working on the side last week.
Clowney and Hubbard had been resting while Harrison is back from a hamstring injury and Green a hip injury.
Garrett absent – Defensive end Myles Garrett was not on the field Monday.
Garrett was excused from practice last Thursday for personal reasons. He took a few days away from the team during training camp to spend with an ill family member.
“He will be back today,” Stefanski said.
Roll call – With the exception of Garrett, all members of the active 53 participated in practice Monday.
Up next – Players off Tuesday. Practice Wednesday.
