According to the Akron Beacon Journal, tight end Benjamin Watson returned to practice Friday morning and took reps with the first team offense. That is a good sign that the veteran tight end will make the start this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Starting right guard Shawn Lauvao also practiced with the first-team offense for the second day in a row, so he is expected to be in the starting lineup as well.
One player who won't be in the starting lineup against the 49ers is wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi. In his post-practice press conference, Browns head coach Pat Shurmur declared that Massaquoi won't play this week as a result of the concussion he suffered against Seattle (side note: defensive end Auston English was also ruled out with a knee injury). Shurmur said that wide receiver Joshua Cribbs will fill in for Massaquoi in the starting lineup. Whether that reduces Cribbs' role on kickoff or punt coverage remains to be seen.
Massaquoi's absence could also force second-year receiver Carlton Mitchell into action. Shurmur again confirmed yesterday that Mitchell will be active for this week's game. As for the reps that Mitchell received in practice, here is what the ABJ had to say:
Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell, who has been active for only one game this season, also took reps with the starters, a sign he could receive a decent amount of playing time if Massaquoi is out.
What about Peyton Hillis? He did not participate in practice, and will be listed questionable for this week's game. Shurmur said that Hillis did some running on Friday and will make the trip to San Francisco with the team. He could end up being a game-time decision.