Well, the big story for the evening edition of training camp is the surprising return of Braylon Edwards. And yes, he was in action for the evening session, as you'll find in you evening training camp notes below.
- I'm BACK!: Making his return to the practice field with the rest of the team was Braylon Edwards. He had the word "I'm" taped on one wrist, and the word "back" on the other wrist. Although he didn't participate in the 11-on-11 drills today, he looked sharp and very energized in everything that he did. The fans were absolutely thrilled to see him back.
- Winslow's Back, Too: After resting most of the morning practice, Kellen Winslow was back on the field, looking like the best offensive player on the team once again. Meanwhile, rookie Travis Wilson continued to appear "lost" in his drills, which is somewhat understandable, but certainly not excusable.
- Running Backs: Once again, Lee Suggs and Jerome Harrison stood out amongst the group, while William Green really didn't show a whole lot. Harrison will either make the team as a third-stringer, or as a member of the practice squad. I'd bank on him as the third-string running back.
- Dorsey's Arm: Not a single person has been turned on by how Ken Dorsey is throwing. That means the most important person on our team right now is Charlie Frye, because if he gets hurt, it won't be pretty. At all.
- Defensive Notes: No one comes away from camp not being impressed by Gary Baxter. Safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones continue to have a tight battle, with no clear-cut winner as of yet. Rookie Kamerion Wimbley is very fast off the edge, but still needs to sharpen the technique a little bit. Nick Speegle hasn't been doing the greatest, and could be a possible cut. Johnathan Dunn continues to get beaten by defensive players, which doesn't go well for him either. Simon Fraser and J'vonne Parker look comfortable on the defensive line.
BREAKING NEWS: Phil Savage has stated on ESPN Radio that wide receiver Braylon Edwards will be activated, and will participate in this afternoons session of training camp. Here is the story from ClevelandBrowns.com:
Edwards, dressed in shoulder pads and shorts like the rest of his teammates, emerged from the Browns' locker room and jogged onto the practice field just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
It's a sign that he's been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will begin his road back to action, at least on a limited basis.
ClevelandBrowns.com Link
Could this mean that Braylon may be ready by Week 1? We'll have to find out. Also, The Browns signed offensive lineman Alonzo Ephraim. He plaed in 13 games for the Miami Dolphins last year, and started three games at right guard. At 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds, Ephraim is in his fourth NFL season.It's a sign that he's been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will begin his road back to action, at least on a limited basis.
ClevelandBrowns.com Link
There are two training camp sessions today. The first one is already in the books from the morning session, and here are some notes that we were able to scoop up:
- Tucker Returns: Although Ryan Tucker did not return to action, he was dressed to compete and was on the field this morning. Crennel stated that the MRI showed that he should rest his knee a little, and in the mean time, Nat Dorsey will see some time at left tackle. Unfortunately, Dorsey isn't looking too good.
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Same Receivers: For the fourth straight practice, the top three receivers made their marks. Joe Jurevicius and Dennis Northcutt continue to appear as the top two receivers, while Josh Cribbs is looking like a possible frontrunner for the third spot. For the second day in a row, Charlie Frye hooked up on a bomb play to Northcutt. Didn't they do that in camp last year all the time too? One question: where the hell is Frisman Jackson? - Welcome Wilson: New receiver Travis Wilson dropped a pass and the fans let him hear about it.
- Injury News: Blocking tight end Darnell Dinkins was hit in the eye, but it wasn't an Orlando Brown type incident or anything. Dinkins had been having a solid practice before the injury, but returned still. Kellen Winslow has been the best player in camp so far, and was given a light work load during the morning session. Not a problem, take all the relaxed time you need Winslow. Braylon Edwards continues doing some of the same stuff. It's so annoying to think that he's catching passes, but supposedly won't be able to return until after the bye week.
- Running Game: Running back Reuben Droughns and Terrelle Smith look to be in solid shape, while Lee Suggs is making it seem like he'll win the third-down back job soon. However, Little Barclay and William Green each had some nice individual runs during drills.
- Baxter's Will: Cornerback Gary Baxter is definitely looking hungry to play. He was energized once again, and made a nice stop on a passing route when it seemed like Cribbs had the secondary beat. Keep him away from the punt return game though - he dropped several attempts.
- Defensive Notes: Rookie linebacker Leon Williams intercepted a pass after it was tipped. D'Qwell Jackson lined up in the wrong spot during one play, but was solid again besides that. Kamerion Wimbley is still trying to learn a little technique in the pass rush game in an attempt to beat the fullback. Compared to Ted Washington, Babatunde Oshinowo looks like a toothpick. Antonio Perkins could be in the running for our fourth cornerback job is he continues to impress. All of the linebackers are doing job, including second-year man David McMillen. Do we have enough roster spots for all these guys?
- Utilization: On the offensive side of the ball, there were a lot of plays with designed motions. Tight ends, fullbacks, receivers, running backs, you name it, then were in motion. The offense also used the tight ends and fullbacks effectively in the passing game.
We'll have more training camp coverage as it comes in.
Photos credited to Monkey Joe: check out more of his photos from this morning's practice.