The Cleveland Browns saw the return of one player on Monday, while another left Browns Training Camp for what could be the last time.
Running back Montario Hardesty was back at practice this morning for the first time since August 1st. According to training camp reports, Hardesty looked good in his return to the field as he continues to recover from a knee injury that ended his rookie season before it began in 2010.
"It was fun to get back in football mode again,'' said Hardesty. "It was tough (sitting out) but it let me get my legs back up under me.''
While he is back on the field, the Browns have depth at running back with Peyton Hillis and Brandon Jackson and will likely be cautious with Hardesty moving forward, starting with Friday's preseason matchup with the Detroit Lions.
While seeing Hardesty on the field was a welcomed site for Browns coaches, they lost a player as well with reserve offensive lineman Billy Yates leaving camp Monday morning with all indications being Yates plans on retiring. Yates is in his 8th season and started 3 games for the Browns in 2010 before going on injured-reserve with a biceps injury.
According to Cleveland.com, T.J. Ward missed Monday's practice due to some dental issues while wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was seen on the sidelines in shoes - he'd been in a cast and walking boot since camp began. Massaquoi has been dealing with a bone chip in his left foot.