The media went wild talking about appearances made by former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel, former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, former Browns defensive coordinator Dave Adolph, and members of the Cleveland Cavaliers' front office. Their presence doesn't reflect what went on with the players during practice, so let's get to that part after the jump...
TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 18 (8/16/11)
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Hardesty's Second Day Back: After returning to practice on Monday, second-year running back Montario Hardesty had a wrap on his left calf but still participated in drills fully. I don't think the coaching staff has revealed if Hardesty will play this Friday against the Lions or not, but I'm guessing that we could see him in action.
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Norwood Ahead of Little? According to Tony Grossi, wide receiver Jordan Norwood received more reps with the first-team offense in the slot position than Greg Little did. Little reportedly came in when there were four-receiver sets. Norwood supposedly caught several passes during practice, solidifying his chances of making the final roster, while Little reportedly dropped a pass from Colt McCoy when he was "wide open."
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Partially Back at Safety: Never fear, Browns fans: Ray Ventrone was removed from the starting lineup, thanks to T.J. Ward returning after having an appointment with the dentist on Monday. Safety Usama Young was still held out with a hamstring injury.
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Linebacker Depth Still Thin: With starters Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong still held out of practice, for the second day in a row, Kaluka Maiava and Brian Smith ran with the first-team defense in place of them. In other injury news, tight end Benjamin Watson and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi were held out.
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Does Aggressiveness Win a Spot? I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but when linebacker Steve Octavien has the opportunity to make a tackle, he seems to really hammer someone. I've already seen in on three different days -- once in person at a training camp session, twice at the Family Day practice, and once against the Packers. In the ABJ's recap today, Nate Ulrich noted that Octavien "grabbed [wide receiver] Juan Nunez by the shoulder pads and slammed him to the ground." I'm not sure if the aggressiveness will win him a spot, or make him look like a prick for going overboard in practice.
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No Replacement for Cribbs: Some fans might have been surprised to see Jordan Norwood field punts from the get-go against the Packers instead of Joshua Cribbs. Head coach Pat Shurmur insisted after practice that Cribbs will remain the team's return man. Cribbs had a nice sideline diving catch during practice while Joe Haden was covering him.
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Seam Pass to Smith: This must have been one of the plays of the day, considering several members of the media commented on it: covered by linebacker Brian Smith, quarterback Colt McCoy hit tight end Alex Smith on a 20-yard seam pass that was thrown nicely.
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Playing Time Against Lions: Head coach Pat Shurmur said that the first-teamers should play the entire first half against the Detroit Lions on Friday. That follows the standard that is usually set for the second preseason game.
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Wednesday Closed to Public: If you planned on going to camp on Wednesday, then don't. It will be closed to the public, meaning there are no remaining public practices this week.
- Brownies: With the retirement of offensive guard Billy Yates, rookie Jason Pinkston will have a chance to fill in at left guard...cornerback Joe Haden had a nice diving interception on a pass intended for Greg Little...tight end Jordan Cameron was involved in several passing plays.
Tuesday's Link Collection / Camp Sources
- Browns visited by Jim Tressel and Lloyd Carr (Plain Dealer, Grossi)
- Notes and observations from Browns training camp (Akron Beacon Journal, Ulrich)
- Browns Rapid Reports (CBS Sports, Gitlin)
- Ex-OSU coach Jim Tressel visits Browns camp (Chronicle-Telegram Petrak)
- Browns notes: Tressel, Carr among notables visiting practice (News Herald, Schudel)