Week 1 NFL Picks: Eagles Vs. Browns

The Browns open their season on Sunday when they welcome Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles to town.

The Browns finished the 2011 season 4-12, losing their last six games of the season. They have a new cast of characters leading the offense this year with first-round picks quarterback Brandon Weeden and running back Trent Richardson as the focal points. The Browns are hoping Richardson is ready to play, as he missed the preseason after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. However, he has recently returned to practice.

Cleveland also hopes to have the services of third-year CB Joe Haden who is currently in the process of appealing a four-game suspension for a positive drug test.

The Browns should expect to experience some growing pains in this game, relying on two rookies to carry the load. The Eagles will be looking to build on the end of their 2011 season, which they closed out with four straight wins. Assuming Vick can stay healthy, the Browns won’t be able to keep pace.

Final score prediction: Eagles 24, Browns 13

For more on the Browns; check out Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. Also, be sure to play SB Nation's Pick 6 Football every week this season.

Browns Injury Update: Chris Ogbonnaya Back At Practice

Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya was back at practice with the team on Wednesday after missing time with a high ankle sprain, as Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. He's expected to be active for the team's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ogbonnaya, 26, missed the final two games of the preseason while recovering from the ankle sprain. There was some speculation that the injury could cost him a roster spot, but the Browns have opted to keep four running backs going into the season.

Most teams typically limit themselves to just three running back options, but the Browns have kept four on the roster given starter Trent Richardson's ongoing knee issues. He's expected to be healthy for the beginning of the season, but Cleveland should have plenty of carries to distribute early in the year.

For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Browns Never Intended To Give Away Colt McCoy

The Cleveland Browns have received interest in quarterback Colt McCoy, but they've never planned to give him away for little or no return, as Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reports. The Browns have been asking for a solid draft pick in exchange for last year's starter.

Playing in 13 games last season, McCoy had mixed results, showing little improvement from his rookie season in Cleveland. He completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,733 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, good for a 74.6 passer rating.

Given the uninspiring performance by McCoy, the Browns went out this offseason and drafted Brandon Weeden in the first round of the draft. He was named the starter weeks ago, forcing McCoy into a backup role just one year after being the primary starter at the age of 25.

For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Schedule: Week 1 Poses Challenge For AFC North Teams

The NFL season kicks off on Wednesday night when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Super Bowl champion New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

The remainder of the NFL's Week 1 schedule kicks into gear on Sunday including a challenging start for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the AFC North. The Browns will be the only division team not playing under the prime time lights when Brandon Weeden makes his regular-season debut at quarterback for Cleveland against Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday evening, the spotlight turns to the Pittsburgh Steelers as they open their season at Denver to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos at 8:20 p.m. on NBC's Football Night in America. The Steelers should face an emotional atmosphere in Denver where fans hope Manning can build on his legendary career with his new team.

An AFC North intraconference battle wraps up the division schedule on Monday night when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens are among the teams favored to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl let alone win the AFC North and they can take their first step in that direction with a division win in Week 1.

For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland Browns Named League's Worst

Sorry, Browns fans. If you're looking for good news about your 2012 season, don't ask Joel Thorman, who has ranked the Browns 32nd out of 32 teams in his Week 1 NFL Power Rankings. He said, "I would have ranked them even lower, if I could have." OK, he didn't say that, but he's also not too optimistic about Cleveland's chances.

The Browns are a young team (third youngest in the league, actually), and have some exciting pieces. But Thorman clearly doesn't think that this is their year.

Consider that their division is perhaps the best in the NFL. Thorman puts the Ravens and the Steelers in his top 5. Last year, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati all finished in the top seven in yards allowed.

In addition, the Browns have rookie starters at quarterback, running back, and offensive tackle. There is reason for optimism, but just not for this season.

For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Benjamin Watson Injury: Browns TE Says He'll Be Ready For Opener

The Cleveland Browns were pretty poorly off when it came to injuries during the preseason, but they're slowly getting players back. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports via Twitter that you can add tight end Benjamin Watson to that list. Ulrich reports that Watson said he'll be ready to play on Sunday.

Sunday, the Browns will open their season against the Philadelphia Eagles, which is certain to be a tough matchup. The Eagles are always a strong team, and the Browns have so much inexperience on the offense, getting Watson back would definitely be a positive. Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Greg Little - those are all some really inexperienced guys, while Watson has played nine years in the NFL.

Watson missed most of training camp and didn't play a single snap in the preseason with an injured leg. There haven't been many updates on his status throughout the whole process and most assumed he'd be inactive for the first game of the season, so this is definitely good news if what he says is accurate.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Dimitri Patterson, Ray Ventrone Return To Browns Practice

The return of Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson to practice Monday was significant news for the team, but another important player, cornerback Dimitri Patterson, also returned from injury to practice, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal:

Also #Browns CB Dimitri Patterson (right ankle) & SS Ray Ventrone (right hamstring) returned to practice. #NFL

— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) September 3, 2012

With Browns cornerback Joe Haden facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, getting Patterson, who missed most of the preseason with his injury, back in the lineup will help the depleted secondary. The return of Ventrone, a backup to strong safety Eric Hagg, should also help the secondary.

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland also noted a minor move on the Cleveland practice squad:

On another note, the Browns brought back defensive end Brian Sanford to the practice squad. To make room, linebacker Solomon Elimimian was eliminated.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Tom Heckert Relying On Browns' Rookie Class In 2012

The Cleveland Browns will enter the season with 15 of the team's 53 roster spots occupied by rookies. Although general manager Tom Heckert acknowledges risks in that strategy, he told Brian Dulk of the Lorain County Chronicle-Telegram it was the right decision:

"It could come back and bite me in the butt," Heckert said. "But we told (outgoing owner Randy Lerner) when we came in, ‘Hey, we’re going to do things the right way.’ Whatever happens happens.

"Keeping 15 rookies was obviously nothing we planned, but we want to give the best 53 guys those spots, no matter at what position. It worked out that way, and we’ll see how it goes."

Heckert also noted in the interview that it was coach Pat Shurmur who made the final call on keeping quarterbacks Colt McCoy and rookie Thaddeus Lewis as backups to rookie Brandon Weeden and cutting veteran Seneca Wallace. Heckert told Dulk the team also has no interest in signing veteran backup A.J. Feeley.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Roster Will Carry 15 Rookies To Start Season

After weeks of trimming down the roster, the Cleveland Browns have the 53 players that they will open the 2012 regular season with. While making cuts, GM Tom Heckert hardly noticed until recently that 15 of those players will be making their respective NFL debuts this year, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.

As Florio writes, Heckert was simply trying to recognize the best players on the field, so he never noticed that he was retaining so many rookie players. Heckert told reporters on Sunday that he wasn't even aware of his final roster's inexperience until the team's spokesperson pointed out the significant number of rookies making the team.

Of the 15 rookies making the team, nine of them were drafted this year by the Browns while six were signed as undrafted free agents. Starting quarterback Brandon Weeden and starting running back Trent Richardson are among the rookies on the roster, so they'll be front and center in 2012.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Awarded Tank Carder, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen On Waivers

The Cleveland Browns could certainly use some help with their linebacker depth. They're getting some of that in the form of practice squad signees and waiver claims.

According to Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter, the Browns have been awarded LB Tank Carder, previously of the Buffalo Bills, and DT Ishmaa'ily Kitchen from the Baltimore Ravens.

On top of that, the Browns also signed Solomon Elimimian to their practice squad. Elimimian was a standout with the B.C. Lions in the CFL and was something of a surprise cut by the Minnesota Vikings after he didn't get many snaps in the preseason. Elimimian didn't even listen to potential CFL contracts when he was signed by Minnesota, as he had his heart set on the NFL.

Kitchen played at Kent State and played at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio. Cleveland has multiple injuries on the defensive side of the ball, especially at the linebacker position. Already having Scott Fujita out for three games with a suspension, Chris Gocong is set to miss the whole season and James-Michael Johnson is out for up to four weeks with an oblique injury.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Roster Cuts: Cleveland Trades David Sims To Eagles

The Cleveland Browns made a trade on Friday night. The Browns dealt safety David Sims to the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional 2013 draft pick.

Eagles acquire S David Sims from Cleveland for a conditional draft pick in 2013. To make room on (cont) tl.gd/j4554t

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) September 1, 2012

Sims was reportedly released by the Browns earlier on Friday, but they instead were able to find a trade partner. The pick is likely to be based on how much Sims plays for the Eagles -- if he sees the field at all.

Sims is an undrafted free agent from Iowa State. In order to make room for Sims, the Eagles cut guard Julian Vandervelde.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

NFL Cuts: Browns Waive David Sims, James Dockery, Dan Gronkowski

The Cleveland Browns had been busy making roster cuts to get down to the limit of 53 players by the 9 a.m. ET deadline on Friday, and the latest to go are safety David Sims, cornerback James Dockery and tight end Dan Gronkowski. Some of the moves came as a surprise, considering that Browns blog Dawgs By Nature expected Sims to make the team over injured safety Usama Young. Here are some tweets about the latest departures:

Bye bye Cleveland!

— David Sims (@DSims36) August 31, 2012

Down goes a Gronkowski . . . Dan is out in Cleveland.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 31, 2012

Excited to see what God has planned for me next! I'm ready to help another squad win! Whenever wherever I'll be ready

— James Dockery (@JamesDockery31) August 31, 2012

The Browns open their regular season schedule at home against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 9.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Browns Roster Moves: A.J. Feeley Could Land In Cleveland, According To Report

Philadelphia radio host Howard Eskin tweeted Friday afternoon that veteran quarterback A.J. Feeley could be headed to the Browns. Feeley is a former Eagles, Rams, and Dolphins quarterback who worked with Browns head coach Pat Shurmur when the two were in Philadelphia. Feeley would serve as a back-up to starter Brandon Weeden, and could take Colt McCoy's position on the roster.

McCoy appeared safe after news of Seneca Wallace's waiver emerged on Friday. But Feeley's relationship with Shurmur could make him a potential target for the Browns and Tom Heckert. Feeley played in five games with the Rams last season, completing 53 of 97 attempts with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Tony Grossi of WKNR reports that he's been told Feeley doesn't want to play anymore, while The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reports the rumor is untrue. Eskin is the same Philadelphia personality who first tweeted rumors back in early June that the Browns were for sale, and Joe Banner may be involved in the purchasing group.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Browns Roster Cuts: Evan Moore Released, According To Report

The Cleveland Browns continued their purge on Friday as they work to meet the deadline for the 53-man roster. Seneca Wallace's waiver was the first big cut to surface, and shortly after that, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that tight end Evan Moore was gone as well.

An unheralded Stanford product, Moore had a knack for being on the receiving end of the rare big plays converted by the Browns' offense over the past two years. That led general manager Tom Heckert to give him a three-year, $8.3 million deal just last year. But he was never a favorite of head coach Pat Shurmur, and his release does not come as the biggest surprise at a crowded position for the Browns. Cleveland will now likely move forward with Ben Watson, Alex Smith, and Jordan Cameron. The fifth tight end, Dan Gronkowski, was also reportedly cut on Friday.

Moore really came on the radar two years ago playing under Eric Mangini, where he averaged more than 20 yards per catch and always seemed to be in the right place for a number of big offensive plays. Along with Josh Cribbs, he led the Browns with four touchdowns last season.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Marcus Bernard Clears Waivers, Placed On Browns IR

Browns defensive end Marcus Bernard has cleared waivers and has been placed on injured reserve, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

Bernard led the Browns with 7.5 sacks in 2010, but was involved in a motorcycle crash four games into the 2011 season. He recovered for spring workouts and was working out throughout camp, but he suffered a dislocated elbow against the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

He had recorded six tackles, including four solo, during the preseason.

Defensive end Auston English and undrafted rookie cornerback Antwaun Reed also cleared waivers and were placed on injured reserve. All three players were waived/IR'd on Monday. Reed suffered a leg injury in practice on Aug. 20 and hadn't been on the field since, while English had been full-go before being held out of practice Monday with an undisclosed injury.

NFL Cuts: Seneca Wallace Released By Browns, According To Report

The Cleveland Browns released back-up quarterback Seneca Wallace on Friday afternoon, according to Fox Sports Ohio's Pat McManamon. Wallace had been in a battle with Colt McCoy and Thaddeus Lewis for the reserve roles behind starter Brandon Weeden. Head coach Pat Shurmur stated on Thursday after the Browns loss to the Bears that he had already made up his mind on the back-up quarterback position, and the reports surfaced Friday afternoon that Wallace was gone.

The deadline for trimming the roster to the final 53-man squad is 9 p.m. ET on Friday. Wallace spent two unremarkable seasons with the Browns, playing in 14 games and throwing six touchdowns and four interceptions. McCoy may now be entrenched as the back-up. Shurmur said during training camp that Lewis was worth further examination and development, so keeping him around is not a complete shock.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation'sNFL news hub.

Browns Roster Projection: Usama Young On The Way Out?

It's the final day for expanded preseason rosters in the NFL, and the Browns will have to cut down to the final 53-man squad by Friday evening. While the jostling at quarterback has been getting plenty of the headlines, some other veterans may have their tenure with the Browns end on Friday. Safety Usama Young, once thought a near lock for the roster, may be edged off the final 53 after the surprising preseason performance of David Sims.

Dawgs By Nature released their final roster projection on Friday morning and Young, who didn't play on Thursday against the Bears, is on the outside-looking-in. From DBN's Chris Pokorny:

The other change swapped two defensive players: LB Benjamin Jacobs and S Usama Young. I was a little alarmed to see that Young did not play at all against the Bears. The coaching staff has made up their mind on him already. He might not be in jeopardy, but I am taking him off for now.

The injury to James-Michael Johnson on Thursday night adds further uncertainty to a banged-up linebacker corps. That could influence the Browns to move Jacobs onto the roster, as Pokorny has done in his projections. In addition to Young now moved off the roster, Pokorny also swapped out Stanley Daniels in favor of Oniel Cousins.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

James-Michael Johnson Injury Update: Browns Linbacker Injures Oblique, X-Rays Negative

The Cleveland Browns dropped their preseason finale against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night by a score of 28-20, but the bigger concern is that rookie strong side linebacker James-Michael Johnson injured his left oblique during the second quarter and left the game. X-rays on Johnson came back negative, and after the game Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said he's not sure the team's fourth-round pick is hurt, but the depth at linebacker for Cleveland starting to become a concern with Scott Fujita suspended for the first three games and Chris Gocong out for the year (Achilles' tendon tear).

The Browns open their regular season schedule at home against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 9, so the defense will certainly be tested early in 2012.

For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Decision Made On Colt McCoy-Seneca Wallace Back-Up Quarterback Battle, But Pat Shurmur Not Telling

The quarterback play for the Browns on Thursday night against the Bears was far from impressive. Starter Brandon Weeden sat the finale out, while Colt McCoy got the start and split time with Seneca Wallace and Thaddeus Lewis. All three backups struggled, and coach Pat Shurmur indicated as much after the game by stating that they "played like backups."

The Colt McCoy-Seneca Wallace back-up quarterback battle has been one of the more interesting position battles throughout camp. McCoy trade rumors have persisted, but he's flashed signs of improvement in relief of Weeden. Last night was not one of those nights, but Shurmur indicated he's made up his mind and determined a winner of the battle. He's just not telling (via Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer):

"I do know what I want to do," Shurmur said after Thursday's 28-20 loss to the Bears in the preseason finale. "I'm just not telling you, right? And I'm allowed."

The job is likely McCoy's, with the former Browns starter working with the second-team for much of the preseason. But there's certainly a scenario where the Browns keep both McCoy and Wallace, and put Lewis on the practice squad. With the deadline for the 53-man cut down tonight, at least one will no longer be in the same capacity with the team by tonight.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation'sNFL news hub.

Browns Roster Projection: Could Cleveland Go With 4 Running Backs?

The Cleveland Browns are banged up in the backfield right now, and that may lead to them keeping four running backs on the team instead of the three that many teams carry. The most notable injury concern, of course, pertains to rookie running back Trent Richardson, who had his knee cleaned and scoped earlier in the preseason. Backup Montario Hardesty, though, has experienced soreness recently and third stringer Brandon Jackson missed all of last season with an injury.

That four-deep scenario is exactly the one expected by Chris Pokorny in his projection of the 2012 53-man roster over at Browns blog Dawgs By Nature. Pokorny believes the Browns will decide to keep those aforementioned three backs as well as Chris Ogbonnaya as extra injury insurance, at least until Richardson can prove that he's 100 percent healthy.

For more on the Browns head over to Dawgs By Nature or stick with SB Nation Cleveland. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Scott Fujita Injury: Browns LB Hopes To Play In Week 1

Cleveland Browns LB Scott Fujita was one of four NFL players suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for participating in the New Orleans Saints bounty program, but Fujita is hopeful that he won't have to miss a single game this season. Fujita was suspended for three games by Goodell, but he is optimistic that a district judge in New Orleans will issue a temporary restraining order blocking the suspensions due to the way in which Goodell sanctioned the players.

Another hurdle for Fujita is that he's spent much of the past few weeks on the bench. Fujita injured his knee in the team's Aug. 10 preseason game vs. the Detroit Lions and didn't return to practice until this past Tuesday. He expects to by fully healthy come the regular season, though.

Fujita is scheduled to take part in a suspension appeal in New York on Thursday.

For more on the Browns, please be sure to check out our blog Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland for all the latest news and updates.

Cleveland Browns Final Roster: The Latest Speculation

The Cleveland Browns have until 9 p.m. Friday to finish shaping the initial 2012 roster, cutting 75 players down to 53 for regular season play. Chris Pokorny posted his third go-round at predicting the final cuts over at Dawgs By Nature Tuesday.

Changes to Pokorny's projected roster in recent days include the Browns holding onto a fourth running back, Chris Ogbonnaya, since Trent Richardson has had minor knee surgery, Montario Hardesty has been sore, and Brandon Jacobs did not play in 2011 whatsoever.

Pokorny also believes that tight end Alex Smith will be kept on the roster, leaving the Browns with four running backs and four tight ends. Cleveland currently only carries five linebackers and might look to add depth there, at least until Scott Fujita's three-game suspension ends.

For more on the Browns, please be sure to check out our blog Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland for all the latest news and updates.

Josh Gordon Developing Chemistry With Brandon Weeden

The Cleveland Browns are a confident organization these days. Not so much because of the perceived immediate future, but largely due in part to the young players on the team such as wide receiver Josh Gordon.

Gordon was picked up in the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft out of Baylor and seems to be forming a nice chemistry with rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, according to ESPN.com.

"The confidence between the two of us is growing," Weeden said. "I’ll tell you, he’s hungry, he’s playing hungry. He’s excited to work every day and really grinding to get better."

Weeden needs Gordon to step up on a team that isn't blessed with a ton of options in the passing game. Greg Little showed flashes as a rookie last season, but the emergence of Gordon could help to keep defenses honest.

"I think where (Gordon has) come from Day One to where he is now, I think he’s come the most of anyone on this football team. I’m really happy with Josh."

For more on the Browns, please be sure to check out our blog Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland for all the latest news and updates.

Montario Hardesty Not Demoted, According To Pat Shurmur

Coach Pat Shurmur reaffirmed that Montario Hardesty will be the Browns' starting running back, responding to rumors that the second-year back had been replaced.

Hardesty was held out of team drills on Sunday, but Shurmur said that it was so that he could rest following Friday's game against the Eagles. During individual drills, the former Tennessee back wore a sleeve on his right calf, which he injured last season.

It is still unknown whether first round pick Trent Richardson will return in time for the season opener, so for now, Hardesty remains the starter. What may prevent Hardesty from being the Week 1 starter, injuries aside, is Hardesty's recent fumble tendency. He has coughed two up already this preseason, and his coaches are not pleased. Last season, Hardesty did not lose a single fumble.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature, or hit up SB Nation's NFL hub.

Usama Young Hopes To Make Browns Final Roster

Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal is reporting that safety Usama Young may find himself on the bubble when the Cleveland Browns make final cuts.

The roster is currently at 75 players, and the Browns have until 9 p.m. Friday to get it down to 53.

Young has only recently returned to practice, after missing more than three weeks with a quadriceps injury.

The Kent State product is likely in competition with David Sims, who has managed to impress coaches this preseason with two interceptions already.

According to Ulrich:

"If the Browns keep five safeties, as they did last year, Young and Sims will probably survive cuts. If they keep only four, one of them might be the odd man out."

Young played in all 16 games for the Browns last season, amassing 51 solo tackles and an interception.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature or take a look at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Phil Taylor Placed On Browns PUP List, Will Miss 1st 6 Games

The Cleveland Browns have officially placed defensive tackle Phil Taylor on the physically unable to perform list, according to Scott Petrak. Taylor will miss at least the first six games of 2012.

Taylor is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral, an injury which he sustained while weightlifting as part of the Browns' offseason workout program. He stated a few months ago that the team planned on treating his injury carefully, as he wasn't allowed to lift weights after the surgery, and was limited strictly to "range of motion" activities.

On Monday, the Browns made a move to shore up the depth on the defensive line, which was left with a bit of a void following Taylor's injury, as they were awarded Ernest Owusu off of waivers from the Minnesota Vikings.

Taylor, 24, was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Baylor. In his rookie season, Taylor started all 16 games for the Browns, accumulating 37 tackles and four sacks.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. And, for additional pro football coverage, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Awarded Defensive Lineman Ernest Owusu Off Waivers

The Cleveland Browns picked up defensive lineman Ernest Owusu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Owusu, 24, was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of California on May 1, 2012. Owusu appeared in all 13 games for the Golden Bears in 2011, recording 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Over the course of his college career, Owusu played in 42 games, 18 of which were starts.

The Browns added Owusu to their active roster on Monday, which is now down to the NFL-mandated 75 players following several cuts made before the 4 p.m. ET deadline. Of those cuts, two included injured defensive linemen, while defensive tackle Phil Taylor was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. And, for additional pro football coverage, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.

NFL Cuts: Browns Waive Marcus Benard, Auston English, Antwuan Reed

The Cleveland Browns waived injured defensive ends Marcus Benard and Auston English, as well as defensive back Antwuan Reed, on Monday, according to Ohio.com's Nate Ulrich. In addition, the Browns placed linebackers Emmanuel Acho and Chris Gocong on injured reserve, and added defensive tackle Phil Taylor to the physically unable to perform list.

Benard, 27, led the team in sacks with 7.5 during the 2010 season, but played in just four games in 2011 before being involved in a motorcycle crash. He was able to recover in time for the spring offseason workout program and had been on the field throughout the summer before dislocating his elbow in Friday's 27-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

English, meanwhile, had been fully-entrenched in practices before being held out on Monday due to an undisclosed injury. Reed, who rounds out the list of waived players, suffered a leg injury in practice on Aug. 20, and hasn't been on the field since.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. And, for additional pro football coverage, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Rookies Billy Winn, John Hughes Will Rotate At DT In Place Of Injured Phil Taylor

To replace injured defensive tackle Phil Taylor, the Cleveland Browns announced Monday they will rotate rookies Billy Winn and John Hughes. The roster strategy was made official by head coach Pat Shurmur, who spoke to the media about depth chart decisions.

#Browns Shurmur on rookie DT Billy Winn: He plays fast. Finds way to free self up, and it's hard to pass rush from the defensive tackle spot

— Scott Petrak (@ScottPetrak) August 27, 2012

Both Winn and Hughes will try to fill the shoes of Taylor, who's recovering from pectoral surgery and is out until the midseason. Winn and Hughes are expected to pair with four-year veteran Ahtyba Rubin on the Browns' defensive line.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Pat Shurmur 'Very Impressed' With Colt McCoy, Browns May Keep Him As Backup

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur has liked what he has seen from quarterback Colt McCoy during traning camp, and there is a possibility that McCoy will be kept around as the Browns' backup headed into the regular season.

As reported by Darin Gantt of NBC's Pro Football Talk, Shurmur has been pleased with McCoy's performance:

"I think he’s done an outstanding job here in training camp," Shurmur said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I’m very pleased with where he’s at. I gained an even greater appreciation of him, the way he’s competed, the way he’s handled the situation, let’s just call it that. I’m very impressed with how he’s doing.

The former starter McCoy has lost his job to 28-year-old rookie Brandon Weeden. The Browns took Weeden 22nd overall in last April's draft.

For more on the Browns, head to Dawgs By Nature. For all things pro football, make a trip to SB Nation's NFL Hub, ,

Browns Training Camp News: Brandon Jackson Works With First Team As Montario Hardesty Sits Out

It has been a rough preseason for Cleveland Browns running back Montario Hardesty, so he was held out of practice Sunday while Brandon Jackson saw playing time with the first team.

After Hardesty lost fumbles in each of the Browns' last two games, Jackson practiced with the team while Hardesty worked on individual drills. Whoever wins the position battle between the two will be the backup to Trent Richardson when he is healthy.

Hardesty knows he is on thin ice with his recent play as he tells The News-Herald:

"I can't give up the ball backed up," Hardesty said. "That's something that I already know, and they reiterated it today. I can't do that. I have to make sure that we keep the ball and just keeping moving forward, especially in those positions. I can't put our defense in those positions like that where now I'm giving the other team three or seven points."

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature, or hit up SB Nation's NFL hub.

Brandon Jackson May Have Taken Backup Running Back Spot From Montario Hardesty

The Cleveland Browns' Brandon Jackson might have just taken the backup running back spot from Montario Hardesty.

RB Brandon Jackson on if he's been promoted: 'I don't know yet. I don't want to jump the gun, but it feels good to be out there w/ the 1s.'

— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 26, 2012

While Jackson was hesitant to call himself the backup, Hardesty has had two fumbles in the Browns' last two games, and head coach Pat Shurmur said that trend won't bode well for Hardesty if it continues, according to ESPN Cleveland.

The two are vying for time behind currently injured rookie Trent Richardson, who is expected to return for the first game of the regular season.

Jackson was playing with the first team on Sunday while Hardesty did only a few drills. He told The Plain Dealer he was fine despite donning a sleeve on his right leg.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature, or hit up SB Nation's NFL hub.

Colt McCoy Praised By Pat Shurmur, Likely Gains Edge For Back-Up Quarterback Spot

With Brandon Weeden all but locked into the starting quarterback slot for the Cleveland Browns, Pat Shurmur insinuated on Sunday that Colt McCoy could be hard to beat as Weeden's backup. Shurmur told The Plain Dealer he has been impressed with McCoy's handling of the situation.

"I gained an even greater appreciation of him, the way he's competed, the way he's handled the situation, let's just call it that," Shurmur told the paper.

"He understands one of the primary things you need to understand as a backup at this point -- to be ready to play -- because you're ankle injury from being in there, and he's been on both sides of that coin and so he understands it.''

McCoy has performed well of late while playing mostly with the second string unit. On Friday, he went 7-for-9 passing for 74 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 27-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Still, with veteran Seneca Wallace and youngster Thad Lewis behind McCoy, Shurmur hasn't fully committed to anything.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature, or hit up SB Nation's NFL hub.

Carlton Mitchell, 8 Others Waived By Browns As Roster Trimmed To 80

With the regular season nearing, the Cleveland Browns have cut nine players from their roster on Sunday, as the team announced. Third-year wide receiver Carlton Mitchell is among the names being let go, confirming the rumors that Cleveland was releasing him.

By Monday afternoon, the Browns must be down to 75 players on their roster. Just a few days later on Friday night, the roster must be pared to the official regular season roster size of 53. With that in mind, the team is already well into the process of figuring out which players are worth keeping.

Other than Mitchell, the Browns also released linebacker JoJo Dickson, defensive back Emmanuel Davis, punter Spencer Lanning, offensive lineman Jake Anderson and Matt Cleveland, and wide receivers Bert Reed, Jermaine Saffold and Owen Spencer.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns' Josh Gordon One Of Few Positives In Drubbing By Eagles

In the Browns' mistake-riddled 27-10 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon was a bright spot.

Gordon, the rookie from Baylor University, finished the game with three receptions for 50 yards, but it was a single highlight play which sparked optimism from Cleveland fans, coaches and even Gordon himself. On the first play from scrimmage, Gordon outran, then outjumped, All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, reached above his head and made a terrific catch for 28 yards. Gordon could not even fully believe his feat, later tweeting the photo of the catch with the caption "Is that Nnamdi?"

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that in a game where the Browns allowed five sacks, three turnovers and a blocked punt, Gordon's performance and ensuing confidence boost mark steps in the right direction for the Cleveland offense.

"The fact that it just happened to be Nnamdi, it's a confidence booster, sure," Gordon said. "[It] just helped prove to myself I could actually come out here and try to hold my own."

Cleveland selected the 21-year-old Gordon in the second round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Carlton Mitchell Hints At Release In Now-Deleted Tweet

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Carlton Mitchell hinted that he'd been released in a tweet that has since been deleted from his Twitter account. Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland captured the text of the tweet:

RT @c_mitch18: It's been real, but God has a plan. Shout out to #BrownsNation seriously thank you, I am very Blessed..

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 25, 2012

Ruiter tried to get confirmation from the Browns, who offered no comment:

#Browns not confirming possible release of Carlton Mitchell who suggested as much in tweet

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 25, 2012

Mitchell is entering his third season in the league. He was drafted in the sixth round out of South Florida in 2010. Mitchell has played in 16 games in two seasons in Cleveland, catching three passes for 31 yards.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Preseason: Brandon Weeden Hopeful For Quick Success

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, who will turn 29 during his rookie season, told The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday that he hopes to have the Browns in the playoffs before his 30th birthday:

What comes first, your 30’s or a Browns playoff appearance?

"Hopefully a Browns playoff appearance. I was talking to Seneca Wallace and I said I’m kind of dreading the 30′s. Everybody already wants to talk about my age and that’s all they want to talk about so it’s got to get worse when I turn 30. I’m dreading it. (But you have to make the playoffs then this year. You’re turning 29.) Yeah well that is true. That’s a good point but best case scenario I think definitely make the playoffs first and then we will worry about the 30^th birthday a couple of years down the road."

Weeden was selected with the 22nd pick in this year's NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. Weeden was officially named Cleveland's starting quarterback earlier this month.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Preseason 2012: DE Frostee Rucker Hopes To Play Friday Vs. Eagles

The Cleveland Browns will make their home debut during the 2012 NFL preseason on Friday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, and new defensive end Frostee Rucker is hoping to be ready for action on game night after missing the last two weeks with an injured right knee. The Browns signed Rucker as a free agent during the offseason, and after battling injuries during training camp, he rejoined the team for practice on Wednesday.

Rucker recently spoke with Nate Ulrich of the Arkron Beacon Journal about his impending Browns debut, and it sounds like the DE expects to suit up on Friday night:

"I'm really anxious to finally get to run out of that tunnel this week," Rucker said Wednesday after the final practice of training camp open to the public. "I hope [I'll play Friday]. It's gonna be a coach's decision, but I'm putting myself in a position that he's gonna be comfortable putting me in the game."

"It's been dreadful being on the sideline watching those guys compete and battle and not be out there in the huddle with those guys. It feels like I might finally get an opportunity to do it, and I should take full advantage of it."

Rucker signed a five-year, $21 million deal with $8 million in guaranteed money during the offseason.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns DE Emmanuel Stephens Back At Practice Wednesday After Leg Injury

The Browns' practice field was certainly buzzing on Wednesday with reporters swarming over the Joe Haden situation, but the team also picked up a moderate boost from the return of defensive end Emmanuel Stephens from a minor knee injury.

The 25-year-old lineman, who finally broke into the animated GIF world with an impressive return against the Packers, was not on the field for Tuesday's practice due to a knee injury. After going undrafted out of Mississippi in 2010, Stephens saw his first real NFL opportunity with the Browns last year, recording 17 tackles (nine solo) on teh season. He's entering his third NFL campaign.

Considering how quickly he was rushed back to the practice field, it's quite clear the Browns aren't too concerned about their budding pass rusher's knee, which is a great sign. Even if he isn't able to beat out teammates Frostee Rucker and Jabaal Sheard for a starting job, Stephens' athleticism should still prove to be a valuable asset for Cleveland's defense this season.

Stay with this StoryStream for more Browns preseason coverage, and be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature for more Browns news. Also head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for even more analysis from around the league.

Joe Haden Returns For Afternoon Walk-Through

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden returned for the team's afternoon walk-through, after being kicked out of practice this morning by coach Pat Shurmur for being too rough. Haden and Shurmur reportedly talked before the afternoon walk-through.

The Browns coach was visibly upset with Haden after the cornerback awkwardly tackled receiver Travis Benjamin on a touchdown pass, and sent Haden to the locker room 30 minutes before practice was over. Coach Shurmur would not address the specific incident with the media, although he would apologize for his on-the-field outburst.

"I'm not going to talk about it," Shurmur said of ordering Haden's removal from practice. "That's between me and the player. I have a great deal of respect for Joe. If you want details, you're going to have to find it on Twitter, all right? My only apology is that I used bad language and the fans were here to see it. That's between me and the player. Joe's a great competitor and I appreciate what he does and who he is, and that's the last you'll hear me talk about it."

Haden was not available for comment on the matter after practice. Shurmur would go on to talk about playing smart in practice, especially considering how many injuries the team is currently dealing with. While the blow-up between Haden and coach Shurmur is noteworthy, the players on both offense and defense said it's something that happens and should not become a big deal.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Cleveland. For more in-depth coverage of the Cleveland Browns, visit Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Buster Skrine Prepared To Start If Joe Haden Is Suspended

Cleveland Browns cornerback Buster Skrine is ready to step into a starting role if the team needs him to do so.

"Every game we’ve played in this preseason, I’ve played with the ones and have done a pretty good job," Skrine said Tuesday after practice. "I’m always confident in any situation, so I’m ready for it if my name is called."

Related: Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report: Day 26 - Improving Third Downs

Starting cornerback Joe Haden is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for a failed drug test, and nickel corner Dimitri Patterson remains out of action because of an ankle injury.

Skrine played appeared in all 16 games for the Browns in 2011 and finished the year with 18 tackles and one interception.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Cleveland. For more in-depth coverage of the Cleveland Browns, visit Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Evan Moore Battling For Spot At Crowded Browns TE Position

Cleveland Browns tight end Evan Moore was one of the leading receivers at the position for the team last season, but he's still battling for a roster spot these days in his fourth year with the league.

The 27-year-old is currently fourth on the team's depth chart, but he's positive about the direction of his career regardless, as Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer writes.

The Browns gave Moore a two-year extension before the season, but he's still fallen behind Ben Watson, Jordan Cameron and Alex Smith on the team's current depth chart. The first roster cut of the year, down to 75 players, comes on Monday, and the final trim to 53 players is on Aug. 31.

Moore has been dealing with a hamstring issue, but he continues to work towards making the roster. In each of the past two seasons, the tight end has had over 320 yards receiving, but he's still trying to make an impression on Cleveland's coaching staff.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Natureand SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Joe Haden Sent Off Practice Field After 'Issue' With Pat Shurmur

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden was removed from practice Wednesday by head coach Pat Shurmur for excessive roughness on 7-on-7 drills. According to various reports from practice, Haden took down wide receiver Travis Benjamin, drawing the ire of Shurmur.

Shurmur stressed importance of practicing smart & being safe. Haden had takedown of Travis Benjamin in 7-on-7. Did not look intentional.

— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 22, 2012

Shurmur apologized after practice for directing foul language at Haden while in the earshot of fans and other onlookers. Haden was reportedly followed into Cleveland's practice facility by team president Mike Holmgren, though Holmgren did not speak about the incident with reporters after practice.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Offseason News: Special Teams Coach Chris Tabor Speaks On Joshua Cribbs' Role

Cleveland Browns special teams coach Chris Tabor addressed the speculation Wednesday that Cleveland is easing Joshua Cribbs out of his special teams role. But Tabor didn't explicitly refute the notion that rookies Travis Benjamin and Jordan Norwood would be seeing their fair share action in the punt return game.

"I think that's a silly issue to talk about," said special teams coach Chris Tabor. "I think that's silly. He's still a threat and well-respected in this league.

(via Tony Grossi)

Cribbs notched the 11th return touchdown of his career last season, but it was his first in 30 games. As he gets older, the Browns may look to preserve his health by taking him off special teams. Benjamin averaged over 11 yards per punt return in two of his four years at Miami, including one touchdown.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Preseason News: Joshua Cribbs May Share Punt Return Duties

Cleveland Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs may share some of the punt return duties this season, according to head coach Pat Shurmur.

"Josh is going to return kicks for us," Shurmur said. "Josh is also a very outstanding cover guy. He's a playmaker on special teams, both in the return phase and in the coverage phase. We have some other guys out that are working on return. We've seen Travis Benjamin do it, Buster (Skrine). The list goes on of younger, kind of fast type, different style guys. I would expect that you'll see them from time to time."

Cribbs made a name for himself in the NFL with his kick return ability as he prepares to begin his eighth season in the league. Cribbs has eight career kickoff returns for a touchdowns and three career punt return touchdowns. Last season Cribbs averaged 11.4 yards on 34 punt returns with one touchdown on an 84-yard return against Baltimore in Week 16

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Preseason News: Colt McCoy Still Proud To Be A Cleveland Brown

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy remains focused on earning a role with the Cleveland Browns even if that role is to back up starter Brandon Weeden.

McCoy commented on his status with the Browns as he battles for the backup spot with Seneca Wallace after a rough first two seasons to start his NFL career.

"I got drafted here," McCoy said Tuesday. "I've spent a lot of time here. I feel comfortable with what we're doing. I love my teammates. I love the organization and I love this city.

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs. I come out here every day and work hard. I challenge myself. If I don't get as many reps, I'll go inside and watch tape and get mental reps. I'm continuing to compete and continuing to work hard. That's all I can do right now. But I'm a Cleveland Brown and proud to be one."

McCoy started his NFL career while still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in his final college game at Texas, the BCS championship game in 2010. With his shoulder in better shape, McCoy has the confidence to keep working for an opportunity to play in the NFL even if the Browns decide to release before camp ends.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

John Hughes, Juqua Parker Return To Browns Practice On Tuesday

After missing one day of practice, defensive lineman John Hughes and defensive end Juqua Parker returned to practice for the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday according to Daryl Ruiter of FAN radio. Both players missed Monday's practice with undisclosed injuries.

Hughes, a rookie third-round pick out of Cincinnati, is the current front runner to start at defensive tackle in place of the injured Phil Taylor, who is out until at least midseason as he recovers from pectoral surgery.

Parker, signed this offseason after spending the past seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, is slated to be the backup LDE behind second-year rising star Jabaal Sheard. Parker played in 12 games last season (with zero starts); returned two fumbles for touchdowns and recorded four pass deflections and 1.5 sacks.

For more news on the Browns; stay tuned to this story stream and be sure to check out Dawgs by Nature and SB Nation Cleveland.

Carlton Mitchell Looking To Make Up For Lost Time In Crowded Browns WR Corps

If any team has had an opportunity for a young wide receiver to step up and get playing time the last couple of years, it's the Cleveland Browns. Yet third-year WR Carlton Mitchell has yet to do so.

Mitchell wasn't a factor in his 2010 rookie year and a broken finger in 2011 training camp derailed him last season. And, even though ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi has called him a player to watch this year, an unspecified leg injury has kept the 6'3, 215-pound Mitchell from making an impact this preseason. Mitchell was frustrated, yet hopeful, in comments to Grossi on Monday.

“You work so hard in the offseason …,” Mitchell said, tailing off. “For things to happen the way they did, it’s very unfortunate. But everything is for a reason. I’m finally getting back to my normal self. Today I was limited, and took the safe route. I need to practice. I hate missing. I’m going crazy. It’s just tough. I’m not gonna lie.”

So far this preseason, Mitchell caught a 33-yard reception against Detroit and didn't play against Green Bay because of the injury. The Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles for their third preseason game Friday night.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Natureand SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Roster: Enough Room For Owen Marecic And Brad Smelley?

As the Browns prepare their 53-man roster, questions still loom at the fullback position.

It seems that last year's fourth-round pick, Owen Marecic, has secured the starting job. According to Dawgs by Nature's Chris Pokorny, Marecic has seen all of the reps with the first-team offense.

Brad Smelley, a rookie from Alabama who was drafted in the seventh round, has seen reps with the second and third teams. Earlier in the preseason, fans speculated that Smelley would unseat Marecic at fullback, though that seems unlikely now.

Still, the Browns might not cut Smelley, because of his versatility. According to head coach Pat Shurmur, the team could possibly keep both Marecic and Smelley, "because Smelley could be considered a tight end as well as a fullback."

Smelley's status on the final roster is up in the air, and it might depend on the injury status of certain defensive players.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Natureand SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns Jabaal Sheard Looks To Build On Strong Rookie Season, Become Elite NFL DE

How do you build on a great rookie season?

Browns Safety David Sims Could Take Roster Spot From Usama Young

As safety Usama Young continues to deal with hamstring problems, David Sims is making a strong case for a roster spot.

Sims went undrafted in 2011 out of Iowa State and was signed and released by the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He was signed by the Browns in January and has impressed in camp and preseason games.

In two preseason games, Sims has five tackles and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. His play has drawn high praise from the coaches, according to ESPNCleveland.com:

"I think he's flashed for the coaches, too," said coach Pat Shurmur. "He's challenging, he's physical and he's really made a huge amount of progress in the time we've been together.

"I'm hopeful that it'll continue in the next two preseason games. That's the kind of thing you want to see for a guy to make the team. He's got to flash and got to make plays. To his credit, he's done that."

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. Meanwhile, additional pro football coverage can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns' Billy Winn Fills In For Injured John Hughes

Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Billy Winn took fellow rookie John Hughes' spot in practice on Monday as Hughes nursed an undisclosed injury, according to Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. Head coach Pat Shurmer didn't seem to be too worried about Hughes, a third-round draft pick out of Cincinnati, saying that "he'll be out there soon."

Here is a full list of players that sat out the entirety of practice:

cornerback Dimitri Patterson (right ankle), strong safety Usama Young (reported hamstring), rookie running back Trent Richardson (had arthroscopic surgery on left knee Aug. 9), strong safety Ray Ventrone (right hamstring), weakside linebacker Chris Gocong (had surgery Aug. 10 to repair torn right Achilles tendon and is out for the season), rookie linebacker Emmanuel Acho (undisclosed), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (right knee), offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (Shurmur cited soreness), defensive end Juqua Parker (undisclosed), defensive tackle Phil Taylor (had surgery to repair torn pectoral muscle May 16 and is out at least until late October) and strongside linebacker Scott Fujita (left leg).

In addition to the players who missed practice entirely, running back Chris Ogbonnaya and cornerback Antwuan Reed left practice early due to injuries.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. Meanwhile, additional pro football coverage can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Josh Cribbs Will Continue To Be Used As A Receiver, According To Pat Shurmur

Cleveland Browns wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs should expect to see more time as a receiver, said head coach Pat Shurmur at Monday's press conference.

"He's going to be active, and he's going to be a returner. That being the case, he's going to lineup and play receiver at times. Obviously they don't all go every single snap, and there are times when we play three or four wide outs. I think it's realistic that he's going to get his snaps at receiver, much like he did last year. If he's on the field, then he has a chance to produce."

Cribbs has amassed over 10,000 total kick and punt return yards in his seven-year NFL career, but just under 1,100 receiving yards. In addition, he has more kick and punt return touchdowns (eight) than receiving touchdowns (seven). However, his receiving numbers have gone up every year since 2009, culminating with 41 catches for 518 yards and four scores in 2011.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. Meanwhile, additional pro football coverage can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Wide Receiver Josh Gordon Adjusting To Speed Of The NFL

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon has impressed head coach Pat Shurmur during the last couple of practices, according to the coach at Monday's press conference.

"I think Josh is a good example of somebody trying to get it right because there are a lot of things for Josh running parallel right now - the grind of training camp, the newness of playing the game again, of course learning our system and then facing competition. There are a lot of things running parallel. I think, and I don't know if was noticeable to you guys watching, but the last couple of days, he's practicing faster in my mind, he's catching the ball and running with it instead of catching and stopping."

Gordon, who was selected in the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, caught two passes for 38 yards in the Browns' 35-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 16. Gordon played his college ball at Baylor. He transferred to Utah prior to the 2011 season, but did not step on the field for the Utes.

For more on the Browns, be sure to visit Dawgs By Nature. Additional pro football coverage can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Thaddeus Lewis Improving, Could Take Spot Of Colt McCoy Or Seneca Wallace

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur likes what he sees from fourth-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. Shurmur told 92.3 The Fan's Daryl Ruiter on Monday he's been impressed with how Lewis has handled his limited snaps this preseason.

"I think there’s value to that," Shurmur said. "There’s something to Thad that I think is worth developing."

Lewis has completed 5 of 8 passes for 90 yards in limited preseason snaps. Should he keep impressing Shurmur to the point that they keep him on the 53-man roster, it could mean the end for backup quarterbacks Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace. Rookie Brandon Weeden has already been named the starter.

McCoy has already been the subject of trade rumors after losing his starting gig, but has said he wants to stay in Cleveland. A trade would open up a spot for Lewis, but if McCoy sticks around Wallace could be the odd man out.

The Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles Friday in their third preseason game.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Cleveland Browns RB Montario Hardesty Enjoying Football Again

Cleveland Browns running back Montario Hardesty is all smiles at practice these days. He's taking snaps and playing with the first team while No. 3 pick Trent Richardson recovers from knee surgery. Not to say he's happy because Richardson is hurt --- he's just enjoying playing football again, as he told the Associated Press.

Apart from a fumble that led to a Green Bay touchdown during the Browns' preseason win last weekend, Hardesty looked good, rushing for 45 yards and a touchdown. His bright outlook is news because injuries have deterred the former second-round pick's career so far.

"I was miserable," Hardesty said. "I'd watch film of myself and say, 'That's not what I want to do.' I'd see where I was supposed to go and saw myself go somewhere else — because I couldn't get there right. I was healthy, just not really healthy. I could play, but not the way I know I can play. I feel stronger, quicker, more confident than any time since I've been in Cleveland."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur is pleased with he sees from Hardesty, even with the fumble.

"We can't have ball security issues," Shurmur said. "He knows that. He came back after a very bad play, had some good hard runs, did a nice job on pass protection and I think he's making progress."

The Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles for their third preseason game on Friday.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Colt McCoy Wants To Remain With Browns, Feels Healthy

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy doesn't seem to be fazed by the rumors that he could potentially be dealt to another team according to a Cleveland.com report. Instead, the 25-year-old who is entering his third NFL season has chosen to remain focused on the task at hand:

"You hear all of the rumors," McCoy said. "I keep a real tight mind-set that my job is quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. And I'm going to go out here and compete and give my best to this city and this organization, because this is where I was drafted, and I don't want to be anywhere else."

In 2010 McCoy suffered a severely pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder and renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews told him that it would take two or three years to make a full recovery. He is now at the two-year mark and says that his arm is beginning to feel stronger:

"He told me, 'You can play, but this could be a two- to three-year ultimate recovery where you feel completely 100 percent,'" said McCoy. "And I think I've almost reached that point where the ball is coming out sharp. I'm pretty accurate. I'm putting the ball where I want to put it. My teammates have been saying I'm on point."

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

D'Qwell Jackson Injury Update: Browns Defensive Leader Returns To Practice

D'Qwell Jackson of the Cleveland Browns returned to practice on Sunday according to a Cleveland.com report. The linebacker had missed the Browns last two preseason games with shoulder injury.

The injury kept Jackson sidelined more for precautionary reasons and wasn't considered to be serious:

"I take care of my body better than I ever have," he said. "It's better to sit out now if something comes up, because it's early. When we get rolling, I'm full steam ahead."

The 28-year-old was just happy to get back on the field and make it through practice unscathed:

"My biggest concern was that I did my conditioning outside of practice," he said. "It's different when you actually put on the helmet and actually go through the tackle and get your read. So that was good. I held up."

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Cleveland Browns' John Hughes Winning Competition To Fill In For Phil Taylor

With Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor out until midseason with an injury, several Cleveland Browns players have been in competition for playing time at his spot, including Scott Paxson and rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn. Jeff Schudel of the Ohio News-Herald reports that Hughes is winning that competition:

Hughes and Winn started against the Packers on Thursday because Phil Taylor is out until midseason recovering from pectoral surgery and coach Pat Shurmur is being cautious with Ahtyba Rubin, who had surgery to repair a pelvic tear before training camp began. Rubin has been practicing and will be ready for the opener, if not sooner. Hughes has taken a clear lead for Taylor's spot until Taylor mends. Paxson suffered a right knee injury in Detroit on Aug. 10 and hasn't practiced since. Hughes is taking advantage to establish himself.

Hughes was a third round pick by Cleveland out of the University of Cincinnati.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Trevin Wade, Frostee Rucker Return To Browns Practice

When cornerback Dimitri Patterson went down in the second quarter of the Browns first preseason game against the Detroit Lions, the play of seventh round pick Trevin Wade went under the microscope as he took over as the team's starting nickel back in practice.

According to Nate Ulrich of Akron Beacon Journal, Wade returned to practice on Friday after being carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Thursday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Browns head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters that Wade was carted off the field for "soreness."

Also returning to practice on Friday was defensive end Frostee Rucker who missed a week of practice and Thursday's game against the Packers with an undisclosed right knee injury.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Browns' Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron Relying On Rookie Tackles John Hughes, Billy Winn

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with a rash of injuries to their front seven, and it has made defensive coordinator Dick Jauron's task of improving the team's dismal run defense even more difficult. The big blow to the front seven came when defensive tackle Phil Taylor tore his pectoral muscle, but starters Chris Gocong, Scott Fujita, D'Qwell Jackson and Frostee Rucker are all currently sidelined with injuries.

Browns Claim DT Ronnie Cameron Off Waivers

The Cleveland Browns are trying to get better wherever possible and, on Monday, that wherever became the defensive line. The Browns were one of five teams to claim defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron and, in the end, they were awarded the undrafted free agent.

Cameron was recently waived by the Chicago Bears after going undrafted following his career at Old Dominion, but that didn't stop four other teams from attempting to claim the former AP Second Team All-American (the Browns were awarded him by way of having the worst 2011 record).

In fact, that alone is the reason that the experts over at Dawgs By Nature have extra expectations for the Browns' newest player.

The thing that stands out immediately? Despite being an undrafted free agent, five teams put in a waiver claim for the guy, so he might not be your average "scrub." That might also make it more difficult for him to be stashed on the practice squad, considering the interest in him.

While trying to stash Cameron on the practice squad might seem a likely option, there's always the chance he impresses Cleveland enough to make the 53-man roster.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Cleveland Browns Injury Update: Fifteen Players Miss Practice

Including running back Trent Richardson, fifteen players out with injury for the Cleveland Browns.

Dimitri Patterson Injury Timetable Still Unknown, Trevin Wade Seizes Opportunity

With star cornerback Joe Haden facing a potential four-game suspension, the last thing the Cleveland Browns needed was an injury to one of its top remaining cornerbacks. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened in the team's first preseason game of the season this past Friday night. Dimitri Patterson, who was likely to replace Haden in the starting lineup, injured his ankle in the game against the Detroit Lions, and the Browns have yet to reveal how much time he may miss.

Mohamed Massaquoi Injury Update: Browns WR Tweets He Didn't Suffer Concussion

Given his concussion history, it must have been a scary moment for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi when he suffered a head injury during Friday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions. He was forced to leave the field of play and, after the game, Browns coach Pat Shurmur confirmed that Massaquoi had suffered a concussion, his third in three seasons.

In an odd twist, though, Massaquoi took to Twitter on Friday night to deny that he had suffered any ill effects from the hit.

No! Precautionary! Cant wait to get back to work! @jmccurry08: @momass11 no concussion? congrats on the win #GoBrownies

— Mohamed Massaquoi (@MoMass11) August 11, 2012

It's hard to fault Massaquoi for wanting to get back on the field, but the team will obviously need to monitor his condition very carefully over the next few days and weeks. It's unclear at the moment if he'll miss any additional time.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Trent Richardson Has Successful Surgery On Left Knee

The Cleveland Browns got some good news on Trent Richardson on Thursday. Their rookie running back underwent successful surgery on his left knee and is on track to play in Week One.

From ProFootballTalk:

"Trent Richardson underwent a successful routine arthroscopic procedure today on his left knee," coach Pat Shurmur said in a statement released by the team. "It was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla. We anticipate that Trent will make a speedy recovery, and we are hopeful that he will be ready for our Week One game against Philadelphia."

Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson could start for Cleveland if Richardson is unable to go for the first game. It is unclear whether Richardson will play any of the team's preseason games.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Trent Richardson Undergoing Minor Surgery Today, According To Reports

It was reported on Wednesday that Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson was to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove some cartilage fragments as a preventative measure. In the initial report, it was suggested that Richardson would be fine to go by the start of the regular season, and all of that still seems likely.

Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reported that the surgery was to go down on Thursday:

Browns running back Trent Richardson is definitely undergoing arthroscopic surgery today tohave a small piece of loose cartilage removed from his left knee, a source told The Plain Dealer.

The surgery is classified as a "scope" and it's more to ensure that the fragment of cartilage doesn't lead to a significant injury in the future. It's being performed by Dr. James Andrews, who is basically "the" guy to go to for all sports injuries at this point. If a football player is getting surgery, it's likely from Andrews.

At this point, Richardson will likely be ready in just a couple weeks, though there's no information on how the surgery went just yet. Still, it's unlikely we'll see him in either of the first two weeks of preseason, so if fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of the new-look offense, it'll have to be in the form of quarterback Brandon Weeden.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Trent Richardson Tentatively Scheduled To Undergo Minor Procedure

On Wednesday night, ESPN insider Chris Mortensen tweeted that Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson has been tentatively penciled in to undergo an arthroscopic surgery when he meets with famed sports surgeon, Dr. James Andrews on Thursday.

The procedure is considered minor and will be used to clean up loose particles of cartilage around the knee. This surgery has nothing to do with the meniscus repair Richardson had back in Feb. (also performed by Andrews) and is considered a proactive attempt to stop a future injury.

Richardson's surgery would be considered as proactive minor procedure; a "hang nail particle" not related to meniscus repair on same knee

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 8, 2012

The 21-year old back is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, if not sooner.

Stay right here with this StoryStream for more Browns training camp coverage. Be sure to check out Dawgs by Nature for on the Browns, and head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for more pro football analysis.

Browns Training Camp: Rookie Trent Richardson To Have Dr. James Andrews Examine Knee Thursday

As a precautionary measure to determine the health of rookie tailback Trent Richardson's knee, the Cleveland Browns will send their prized first-round pick to visit with Dr. James Andrews on Thursday according to The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

Andrews, who has served as Richardson's surgeon since he was in high school, performed successful surgery on Richardson's left knee back in February. But after the tailback experienced swelling in his knee lately during organized team activities, the Browns opted to give him an MRI on Tuesday (results unknown) before shipping him off to see Dr. Andrews before the week was out.

Once viewed as the most dreaded name in sports, Andrews consults with a number of famous and non-famous athletes from around the country, regardless of the severity of the injury in question. While the Browns are confident that any cleanup needed on Richardson's knee would be minor and not force him to miss any significant time, the sequence of events leading up to this visit is more than just a cause for concern. Coupled with the recent reports of a possible suspension for starting cornerback Joe Haden, hearing news of a more serious injury for Richardson could prove debilitating for the Browns' organization.

Stay right here with this StoryStream for more Browns training camp coverage. Be sure to check out Dawgs by Nature for on the Browns, and head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for more pro football analysis.

Browns CB Joe Haden Reportedly Failed Drug Test, Facing Possible 4-Game Suspension

One of the most promising young defensive backs in football, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden may be facing a possible NFL suspension after failing a drug test according to ESPN Cleveland.

The report indicates at least one source saying that Haden tested positive for Adderall during a routine off-season test, which is a drug classified as a banned stimulant by the league. If the original test results are deemed to be positive on a second test that will soon be administered, then Haden will be officially suspended for the opening four games of the Browns' 2012 campaign by the league.

Although he was reportedly notified of the results, Haden, his representatives, and league officials did not comment on the situation on Tuesday after the Browns' practice. While he still has the option to appeal the decision, recent history is clearly not working on Haden's side, as Giants safety Tyler Sash was recently suspended four games for the exact same thing.

Stay with this StoryStream for more news on the Browns' training camp, and be sure to check out Dawgs by Nature for more Browns coverage. Also head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for more pro football news and analysis.

Browns Training Camp: RB Trent Richardson Sits Out Practice, Might Miss Preseason Opener

On Monday, Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur released his first preseason depth chart with rookie running back Trent Richardson listed as the starter in the backfield. On Tuesday, Richardson wasn't in the Browns' backfield but instead on the sidelines resting a sore left knee.

According to Mary Kay Cabot, Richardson will undergo an MRI as a precaution to make sure there are no major concerns with the knee the rookie had arthroscopic surgery on in February. Shurmur downplayed the concern but admitted Richardson may sit out the team's preseason opener on Friday against Detroit.

"He had a sore knee,'' said Shurmur. "That's why we held him out. We'll have to evaluate him further, which we'll do here after practice and we'll see where we go from there.''

Shurmur acknowledged, "There's a chance he won't play on Friday. I'm always concerned about injuries. I think at this point, we'll just find out what it is. He's been practicing well and he's just a little bit sore right now, so we'll just see where he is.''

The Browns have high expectations for Richardson in his rookie season so making sure he makes it through the grind of training camp healthy and ready to play when the season starts is far more important than playing in the preseason opener.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Cleveland Browns' First Full Depth Chart Released

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur released the team's first depth chart of the season on Monday. As expected, Brandon Weems was named the starting quarterback.

The rest of the depth chart for the first preseason game, via Browns.com:

Shurmur sounds happy with the Browns' depth at the running back spot, via ClevelandBrowns.com:

"There's plenty of football left to see what those guys bring to the table," Shurmur said of Hardesty and Jackson. "I think we're going to be able to see what we need to see from both of those players. There are guys that have played in games and there are guys that look different to me. Montario's changed his body; he's healthy. Brandon Jackson's had a year in our system and he looks healthy. They'll get their opportunities to carry the football, for sure."

As for injuries, FB Eddie Williams and DT Phil Taylor are on Physically Unable To Perform list and LB Chris Gocung's status has not been officially determined as of yet after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on Saturday.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Training Camp: Ahtyba Rubin Participates In First Full Practice

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin participated in his first full practice on Monday and is, unsurprisingly, rather happy about it.

Ahtyba intends to play in the preseason opener on Friday, via Tom Reed of The Plain Dealer:

"It's great to be out there with my teammates, put a contribution in, get to run around and have fun," Rubin said. ". . . I'm pretty sure I'll probably be in the game Friday. I don't feel (any) limitations, I don't feel bad or nothing like that. I feel 100 percent, so I'm ready to go."

For a defensive line in need of any help it can get, his return from that torn pelvic muscle is very much welcomed. On Saturday, Cleveland linebacker Chris Gocong tore his Achilles tendon, which will sideline him for the entire season. Defensive tackle Phil Taylor, currently on the Physically Unable To Perform list, is supposed to be out until midseason with a torn pectoral muscle.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Colt McCoy Reacts To Brandon Weeden Being Named Browns Starting Quarterback

Browns head coach Pat Shurmur spoke with the media after practice on Monday and announced Brandon Weeden as the starting quarterback for Friday's first preseason game and beyond. Shumur said he informed all three quarterbacks in the running for the job this morning. Colt McCoy, the incumbent starter, spent the offseason watching the Browns try to trade up for the rights to Robert Griffin III and then flirt with a number of free agent quarterbacks. Tom Heckert and company then took Weeden with the No. 22 pick at the end of April, putting McCoy behind the eight-ball.

McCoy spoke after practice as well after the news went public, and he was clearly not pleased with how things shook out. He cast doubt upon the idea that it was an open competition coming into camp, via Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer:

"I have not taken any snaps with the first group," McCoy said. "I thought coming in it would be a competition."

The writing has been on the wall for awhile, but this still had to come as blow to McCoy so early in camp. He was professional about it and did tell the media he will continue to approach things as if he's the starter. McCoy was the subject of trade rumors immediately after the Draft but he did not comment when asked if he'll seek a trade.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Brandon Weeden Named Browns Starting Quarterback By Pat Shurmur

On Monday afternoon, Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur officially named Brandon Weeden as the team's starting quarterback for the 2012-13 season. Weeden will make his first start on Friday night when the Browns take on the Detroit Lions in their first preseason game.

Shurmur also stated that the back-up position will be decided through the course of training camp, with Colt McCoy acting as the No. 2 on Friday night.

#Browns HC Pat Shurmur officially named QB Brandon Weeden team's starting QB. No. 2 spot will be decided in preseason, Shurmur said.

— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 6, 2012

The presumption was that it was only a matter of time before Shurmur announced Weeden as the starter. The Browns' head coach consistently but ambiguously stated that he would name a starter "sooner rather than later" but this still comes very early in the preseason process.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Preseason: Josh Gordon, Mitchell Schwartz Will Play With 1st Team Against Lions

While the big news of the day in Berea was Pat Shumur naming Brandon Weeden as the starting quarterback, a couple other rookies will immediately be thrown into the fire with the first team starting this Friday against the Lions. Second-round pick Mitchell Schwartz will get reps as the first-team right tackle, taking over for the turnstile that's occupied the position in recent years. Schwartz was drafted to play right away and he's taken first-team reps from the very first minicamp.

In addition to Schwartz, Shurmur also stated that newly-drafted Josh Gordon will also play with the first team on Friday. Via Will Burge of ESPN Cleveland 850 WKNR:

#Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Mitchell Schwartz will be with the 1s and Josh Gordon will also get some snaps w the 1st team Friday

— Will Burge (@WillBurge) August 6, 2012

Schwartz should provide a solid bookend opposite All-Pro Joe Thomas. Gordon will hopefully provide a big-play threat for the new starter Weeden.

For more on the Browns preseason, check out Dawgs By Nature. As the season rapidly approaches, you can get all of your NFL news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Your Cleveland Browns, Brought To You By Ford Motor Company

Browns Training Camp: Competition For Roster Spots Heating Up In Dog Days of August

The days of August are characterized by training camp battles around the league. The Browns are no different, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where a number of veterans and newcomers are jockeying for position.

Chris Gocong Injury Update: Browns LB To Undergo MRI

The Browns can't help but to be worried about the severity of Chris Gocong's leg injury during practice at training campon Saturday. According the Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the injury sustained appeared to have been his right Achilles, but Gocong will undergo an MRI on Saturday to be sure.

That's what the team and Gocong are worried about, though.

"It would be a huge hit,'' said linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. "Chris is a great player.''

Gocong suffered a non-contact injury while defending a touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Cameron in the end zone. Gocong had been expected to fill in at strong side linebacker in the Browns' first three games for the suspended Scott Fujita. That appears to be in jeopardy at this point.

The Browns get a bad break here in what should otherwise be an exciting time with rookies like Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson on board, and the team experiencing a change in ownership recently.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Chris Gocong Injury: Browns LB Goes Down At Training Camp

Browns linebacker Chris Gocong went down with what appeared to be an ankle injury during morning practice at training camp on Saturday. There's an image from Daryl Ruiter's Twitter account of Gocong being carted off the field.

If this injury is serious, it would be a major blow to the Browns as Gocong is likely a starting linebacker for the squad. So far, the speculation is on Gocong's Achilles. Here are some more details on what happened at practice, via Mary Kay Cabot:

Replay showed Cameron didn't come down on gocong's leg. Was grabbing leg before he even went down, as if something snapped. Achilles?

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 4, 2012

Gocong suffered the injury as he was planting to defend td catch by Cameron. Grabbed lower part of rt leg near ankle. Put head in hands.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 4, 2012

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Training Camp: Team Activates DT Ahtyba Rubin, TE Evan Moore

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for another day of practice, and made two roster moves in advance of Thursday's morning session. According to SB Nation's blog for the Browns, Dawgs By Nature, the team has activated two player who were riding injury lists. The first is defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, who was on the physically unable to perform list.

Rubin makes a much-needed return, as the Browns have had some mounting injuries at the DT position. Frostee Rucker missed another practice with a leg injury, while Brian Schaefering has a thigh injury. Both players are tackles, while Rubin is one of the better players at the position. Still, Rubin looks quite a bit out of shape by all accounts, and it could be awhile before he's 100 percent. Definitely a good thing to have him back sooner rather than later though.

Tight end Evan Moore was the other player to be activated. He was on the non-football injury list and participated in his first practice Thursday morning. Not much is known about what he did exactly, but it's looking like he did get some solid time with starters and could factor into the team's offense this season.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Browns Training Camp: Travis Benjamin Thinks He Can Handle Physical Play

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Travis Benjamin is proving in training camp that, just because he is undersized, he isn't afraid of contact.

The 5-10 Miami (Fla.) product has been answering questions about his height and skinny frame his whole life, via Jodie Valade of The Plain Dealer:

"Even though I might be small in size, I've been playing football ever since I've been young and mostly all of the guys are bigger than me," Benjamin said. "I've got to keep that mindset that I've got to play big."

...

"That's all a part of football -- being physical," he said. "There's not one player on the field that's not physical. Every time, every play has contact. I'm used to it."

Head coach Pat Shurmur said that Benjamin and Josh Gordon both are on pace to become "major contributors" with the way they have performed in camp thus far.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Browns Training Camp: Colt McCoy Has Been Impressive

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is showing signs of improvement at training camp.

He's made some impressive plays working with the second unit and coach Pat Shurmur is happy with his progress, via Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain-Dealer:

"Colt's doing great," Shurmur said. "I think he's continuing to improve. I'm seeing him do things in this camp that he didn't do a year ago, and he's getting more comfortable within our system and he's coming to work every day and working hard. I think he's doing a good job.

"I just think he's more comfortable in the progressions. If it doesn't go to No. 1 or No. 2, he's throwing it to 3 instead of taking off and running. Those types of things -- commanding the huddle, knowing what his receivers can do and where he can put the football.''

Cabot goes on to note that this doesn't mean McCoy will stay in Cleveland. With Brandon Weems starting at QB, perhaps McCoy's play in training camp could boost his trade value.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Browns Training Camp: AP Pro32 Power Rankings List Cleveland 30th Of 32 NFL Teams

The Associated Press put together a diverse group of 12 media members to rank all 32 teams in the NFL now that training camps are in full swing. With fears over so much youth at key positions, the panel ranked the Cleveland Browns 30th out of 32 teams.

At the top of the list was the Green Bay Packers, followed by the New England Patriots and New York Giants to round out the top three. The Indianapolis Colts, also relying on a rookie QB, ranked last at number 32.

The panel of broadcasters and writers, including a few former NFL players included: Chris Berman (ESPN), Clifton Brown (Sporting News), Cris Collinsworth (NBC Sports), Rich Gannon (CBS Sports/SiriusXM NFL Radio),Bob Glauber(Newsday), Rick Gosselin (Dallas Morning News), Clark Judge (CBSSports.com), Ira Kaufman (Tampa Tribune), Pat Kirwan (SiriusXM NFL Radio/CBSSports.com), John Lynch (Fox Sports), Alex Marvez (Foxsports.com) and Dan Pompei (Chicago Tribune).

Berman ranked the Browns the highest among the panelist at 25, feeling that Trent Richardson alone will solve a lot of offensive problems for Cleveland. But the inexperience of Richardson and more importantly, Brandon Weeden at key offensive positions concerned most of the voters, including former NFL QB Rich Gannon who had the Browns ranked last on his list.

Rich Gannon (CBS Sports/SiriusXM NFL Radio, 32): Will probably start a rookie QB, RB & WR. Need I say more?

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Browns Training Camp: James-Michael Johnson Getting His Feet Under Him

Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson has caught the attention of coaches at Browns training camp, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Now that workouts involve pads, the fourth-round pick out of Nevada is starting to look more comfortable. From The Plain Dealer:

...Browns coach Pat Shurmur said the pads have helped Johnson create a little separation between himself and the other young linebackers in training camp. Of course, the fact that Johnson had two interceptions and stood up running back Brandon Jackson on a goal-line stop during Monday morning's practice also might have had something to do with that.

"He had a couple of interceptions and looked good on the goal line," Shurmur said. "The pads tend to separate the linebackers, and he's had a couple of good days."

Johnson finished his career at Nevada No. 1 in school history in forced fumbles. There is, according to The Plain Dealer, a chance he could open the season as a starter while Scott Fujita serves a three-game suspension stemming from the Saints bounty scandal.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Browns Training Camp: Josh Gordon Drawing Attention From Coaches, Teammates

The Cleveland Browns will be sporting a new-look offense in 2012, the foundation of which rests upon high-potential rookies taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden will make up this foundation, and most eyes in training camp are on them and how they perform. Colt McCoy is still a factor technically, but Weeden is likely the guy moving forward.

Outside of those guys and hopefully second-year player Greg Little, the Browns have another young piece on offense they're sorely hoping will be a big part of the foundation: wide receiver Josh Gordon. The team spent a second-round pick on Gordon in the NFL's supplemental draft, which means they'll forfeit their second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

They've already noted that they hope Gordon can start and that he'll be a part of the foundation. So it's really good then that Gordon is looking good in the early stages of training camp. ESPN had an article on Saturday that talked a bit about Gordon, with some quotes from head coach Pat Shurmur:

Gordon drew attention from Shurmur and fans. Lerner and team president Mike Holmgren also watched intently from the sidelines.

"I saw Josh play a little faster," Shurmur said. "I know he can catch the football and he can run when he gets going. He has great size. Joe Haden came back and said, 'Wow, this is a big sucker.' "

There's plenty of more on Gordon in the piece - most notably the bits about all of what Gordon needs to do to get up to speed. Gordon probably does have the potential to be a starting receiver in the NFL, but he's got a long, uphill battle to play catchup with many of the rookies who didn't spend a significant portion of their college playing career under suspension.

Still, it's good to see that Gordon is being noticed this early on. It's not likely he'll perform to such great lengths that he sees significant playing time early on in the regular season, but he could earn his way into some specific situations if he shows a good understanding of the playbook and really struts his stuff in training camp and preseason. After all, he's got Joe Haden to work with and sharpen his skills on. In this case, "sharpen his skills" means "get beat a lot by one of the best corners in the NFL," ... and there's no shame in that.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp: Ahtyba Rubin Still Recovering From Pelvis Tear

Though football fans are excited for training camp to begin, not all the news is great -- at least not for the Cleveland Browns. Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin is still recovering from a procedure that repaired a slight pelvic tear six weeks ago, according to Mary Kay Cabot.

The injury is not believed to be significant.

The injury is similar to a sports hernia. It's unknown how Rubin suffered the tear.

Rubin, who finished second on the team with 83 tackles and second with five sacks, should be back within "a couple of days,'' coach Pat Shurmur said. He would not confirm the procedure.

As Cabot notes, Phil Taylor is out until October or November, so any type of significant injury to Rubin would be especially detrimental to the Browns and their playoff hopes in 2012.

For the time being, Rubin has been placed on the physically unable to perform list.

For the latest on the Cleveland Browns, be sure to check out Dawgs By Nature.

Browns Training Camp: Josh Gordon Ready To Put College Problems Behind Him In NFL

The Cleveland Browns used a second round pick in the NFL supplemental draft to take wide receiver Josh Gordon, a talent that passes all of the physical eye tests despite a series of three failed drug tests during his college career. The Browns were willing to take a chance on Gordon after getting to know the wide receiver who could be a game-changer on the field at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds if he can stay out of trouble off the field.

During the Browns first day of training camp, Gordon didn't shy away from questions about his past, instead taking them head on, admitting to one failed marijuana test at Utah and two failed tests at Baylor. He also expressed his intent to move forward in a positive direction now that he is in the NFL.

"I'm definitely a changed person," Gordon said. "The things that happened were such a long time ago, and the fact that there's this many people in such a prestigious organization like this holding their jobs and their necks out on the line for a guy like me says a lot about them, their character. I just want to meet them halfway on that agreement. And if they're gonna be willing to do this for me, I want to just be willing to reciprocate."

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

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Brandon Weeden Comes To Terms With Cleveland Browns, According To Reports

According to several reports, the Cleveland Browns have come to terms on a contractual agreement with first-round draft pick, Brandon Weeden. The quarterback was selected with the with the No. 22 overall pick in April's Draft. Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer first tweeted that the agreement, which was expected at some point Tuesday, had been finalized:

#browns Weeden contract done, source tells Pd.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 24, 2012

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Weeden and the Browns agreed to a four-year contract worth around $8.1 million. The one remaining issue in the contract talks centered around the guarantee of the fourth year of Weeden's deal. Picks toward the end of the 1st Round, where Weeden was selected, typically do not receive a guarantee in the fourth year. According to Adam Caplan, that year will be partially guaranteed:

Weeden gets first three years fully guaranteed and $900 K guaranteed in year 4.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 24, 2012

The deal comes a day after the team came to terms on an agreement with running back Trent Richardson, whom the Browns selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the same draft class as Weeden. With rookies and some veterans reporting in Berea on Wednesday, everyone who's expected should now be signed and in camp.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Browns Dead Last In 1st Set Of 2012 SB Nation Power Rankings

Browns, Brandon Weeden Close To A Deal, According To Report

Having just singed running back Trent Richardson, the Cleveland Browns are close to signing their other first-round pick, Brandon Weeden, according to an ESPN.com report.

According to sources cited by ESPN.com, the Browns and Weeden hope to finalize a deal Tuesday. From ESPN:

After finalizing a contract with running back Trent Richardson, the Cleveland Browns are on the verge of a deal with their second first-round draft pick, quarterback Brandon Weeden, according to sources.

The two sides spoke into the night, are now "close" to a deal, and are hoping to wrap it up today, sources said.

The Plain Dealer is reporting that the fourth-year guarantee is the last hurdle to signing Weeden. ESPN reports that Richardson's deal is for four years and $20.4 guaranteed, including a $13.6 million signing bonus.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Trent Richardson Agrees To Deal With Browns

Trent Richardson and the Cleveland Browns have come to terms on a contract.

The No. 3 pick was given a fully guaranteed deal, with no offset language. The terms, via ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio:

The contract pays Richardson a signing bonus of $13.341 million, along with base salaries of $390,000 in 2012, $1.321 million in 2013, $2.252 million in 2014, and $3.184 million in 2015. Like all first-round picks, the team holds an option for the fifth-year. The Browns will be able to retain Richardson's rights for 2016 by offering the average of the ten highest paid running backs in 2015.

Richardson's agent, Jimmy Sexton, had been meeting with team brass on Monday to finalize the deal. Richardson is in Cleveland, ready to begin practicing.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Trent Richardson Close To Deal With Cleveland Browns, According To Report

According to a report by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Browns and first-round draft selection Trent Richardson are close to coming to terms on an entry-level contract. Richardson was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in June's Entry draft.

With Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin already under contract with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively, Richardson remains the highest pick in the 2012 Draft yet to sign with his team.

According to the report, Richardson and the Browns are ready to sign the papers (he is already in Cleveland), they merely need to resolve one outstanding issue.

Via The Cleveland Plain Dealer:

The only outstanding issue is the offset language that the Browns would like in the contract. Such language would prevent them from having to pay the full guaranteed amount in the event Richardson signs with another team.

Richardson is expected to sign a contract worth $20 million guaranteed with a $13 million signing bonus. With training camp set to open this weekend, team president Tom Heckert has already stated that he expects Richardson to be ready for camp.

Browns Training Camp Begins At End Of Week As Team Works On New-Look Offense

The Cleveland Browns are set to begin full training camp on Saturday, July 28. They're hoping to get a jump-start on their new look offense, likely featuring rookies Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden.