CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Kevin Stefanski took the Browns down to the stadium Thursday for a brief practice that lasted just over an hour.
Here’s our top Brownie Bites that includes the announcement of this year’s team captains. Drumroll, please...
Captain, my captain – Quarterback Deshaun Watson was named a team captain head coach Kevin Stefanski announced. “Leadership comes in all different styles and it comes in different shapes and sizes and you vote for captains and it is really important,” Stefanski said. “We also have a leadership committee and we have players represented from every position there. So you don't need that C to determine that you're a leader.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension and settled nearly two dozen lawsuits from massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct last year, was one of five captains voted on by his teammates. Joel Bitonio, Anthony Walker, Myles Garrett and Charlie Hughlett were also named. “These players voted for those guys and Deshaun in particular, but Deshaun, that's very, very natural for him to lead,” Stefanski said. “And I think he's comfortable leading from out in front. I think he's comfortable from leading and letting his teammates get credit and that's just something that he's always done his whole life. And just the way he's integrated himself into this football team is impressive to watch. From the course of the moment he got here till now, just seeing how he's gotten to know everybody on his team, how he pushes them, how he motivates them. I think you're seeing a lot of examples of high-quality leadership from Deshaun in particular.” Assistant general manager and vice president of football operations Catherine Raiche praised Watson’s growth this offseason. “To see how Deshaun has integrated himself into the team has just really been impressive,” Raiche said. “To be able to be with us this entire offseason program and really build connection with his teammates and be able to gain their trust and do everything he's done, I think has been great and he's been just great to be around.”
Ford ready to roll – The Browns were unwavering in keeping Jerome Ford as their No. 2 running back despite a hamstring injury in training camp that sidelined him for a few weeks. “It meant a lot to me,” Ford said. “Ever since I got here, coach Stefanski, AB, they always been in my ear, always a help, anything that I need and that's just a good thing and I'm grateful for them.” Last season Ford received just eight carries for 12 yards but his role in 2023 is likely to expand. “I don't know the role yet, but whatever role I'm given, I'm ready to do,” Ford said. “Coach been preparing all of us for everything, so whether Nick's helmet come off or something or he needs a shoe tied on the sideline, we'll be ready for whatever the situation is.” After Thursday’s practice, Ford fielded kicks off the JUGGS machine but Stefanski was non-committal about Ford resuming that role this year in the absence of Jakeem Grant, who suffered a torn patellar tendon on the opening kickoff Saturday at Kansas City. “I think we have multiple guys that can do it,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, Jerome did it for us last year, did a nice job. So, he’s certainly a candidate but we have multiple guys that can do it.” Ford averaged 24.1 yards per kickoff return with a long of 48 yards on 30 of them in 2022.
More room – The Browns continue to restructure contracts t free up salary cap space. Jedrick Wills Jr.’s is the latest example that cleared nearly $2 more million that can be rolled over to next year. “In terms of our strategy when it comes either player acquisition or contract management, we're very thorough, diligent and aggressive,” Raiche said. “And I think for us it's about creating flexibility so that we can do what we want to do, operate at any point in time.” The Browns, who recently restructured Myles Garrett, Joel Bitonio and David Njoku, have approximately $39.926 million in cap space available, which leads the NFL by a wide margin despite spending north of $300 million in cash on the roster this season. “We try to find ways to get an edge wherever we can find one,” Raiche said.
Numbers game – Bernie Kosar fans will be pleased to note that receiver Marquise Goodwin traded in his No. 19 for 3. New kicker Dustin Hopkins is wearing No. 7 and cornerback Kahief Hailassie has 25.
Roster moves – The Browns placed linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk on injured reserve with a knee injury and re-signed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II. Hurst was waived by the club on Tuesday as part of the roster reduction to 53.
Welcome back – Defensive end Alex Wright, who underwent knee surgery on August 8, returned to practice. “He looks good,” Stefanski said. “It’s hard to say. I mean, he’s got to continue to progress and we’ll see how it goes into Monday of next week.”
Roll call – DNP: CB Denzel Ward (concussion).