BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns receiver Rashard Higgins rolled his left ankle Wednesday and was unable to practice Thursday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that the injury was not serious.
“He should be fine,” Stefanski said.
Higgins, selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, signed a one-year deal this offseason to return for a sixth season and is penciled in as the No. 3 receiver behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Higgins had his left ankle taped and started practice indoors with Odell Beckham Jr. before both players came out to watch on the side.
Part of the plan – Beckham was also idle Thursday along with receiver JoJo Natson, safety Grant Delpit and offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, by design.
“That was the plan, just with the rehab schedules,” Stefanski said.
Remarkable recovery – Beckham’s rehab and recovery wasn’t the only miraculous one this offseason.
Hubbard was able to practice Wednesday after recovering from torn ligaments in his right knee and a dislocated kneecap, an injury suffered in late December last year.
“He worked exceptionally hard with the trainers this summer,” Stefanski said. “He has put himself in a really good position, and I am happy to see him out there.
“You guys know this, Hub is a great person, works his butt off and is a great teammate. We are all thrilled to see him back out here.”
Kicker battle begins – The kicker competition is underway, and Cody Parkey is not off to a great start.
Parkey made his first kick Thursday afternoon then missed the final four – wide left, off the right upright, wide right and wide left again.
Chase McLaughlin was a perfect 5-of-5.
Welcome back – Training camp opens to fans Friday afternoon and Stefanski is looking forward to the chants and cheers from the stands.
“I have heard all about it, so I am excited to experience it,” Stefanski said.
Gates on the northeast side of the facility will open one hour in advance, at 1:25.
Injury report – Tony Fields II (foot), WR Rashard Higgins (ankle) CB Troy Hill (illness) and S Richard LeCounte III (illness) did not practice Thursday.
Notable quotable – “It is different, I will say that. I think it is going to help our university for sure. Not that you get bored with success, but I think it is a new challenge and something else that is going to continue to improve. I think the college game was already changing when it came down to the NIL, what not and expanding the playoffs. I think it is the correct move. We will see what happens in the next couple of years, but I think it is going to be great for the university overall.” – Browns QB and Oklahoma alum Baker Mayfield on the Sooners and Texas teaming up to bolt the Big 12 for the SEC.
Up next – Practice Friday at 2:25.
