While the joint practices against the Vikings during the week featured the starters facing one another, Saturday's matchup provided opportunities for the backups and young players to get critical game reps.
The Browns dropped their second preseason game to the Vikings 27-12, but head coach Kevin Stefanski felt the work between the practices and the game provided necessary film for the Browns to assess.
"Some good and back out there that we will certainly learn from," Stefanski said. "Some good stuff to evaluate our players on, but I thought that caps a really good week with the Vikings back to Wednesday and Thursday. Got really, really solid work in. And then this is another piece of it with getting some work done tonight."
Here are three big takeaways from the second preseason game.
D'Onta Foreman showcasing power and speed
In RB D'Onta Foreman's first game with the Browns, he demonstrated just what he can bring to the running back room. In the first quarter, Foreman punched in a touchdown from the 1-yard line.
"I feel like in those situations I got to get in there," Foreman said. "Just me with my stature and my frame, me being a bigger back it's like I take those personal."
In the second quarter, Foreman caught a pass from QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and broke through the Vikings defense for a gain of 27 yards. Foreman continued to take handoffs and found gaps in the defense or pushed his way up the middle for short gains.
He ended his first game with 10 carries for 18 rushing yards and a touchdown and caught five receptions for 46 receiving yards.
"Ran very hard, that's kind of his game," Stefanski said. "He puts his weight down and stays low and goes forward. And that's what he did when he got the ball in his hands, and then nose for the goal line there."
Yet, taking the field on Saturday and being utilized in the run game held even more meaning for Foreman.
After sustaining a scary neck injury during training camp at The Greenbrier and not playing in the first preseason game, Foreman took to the practice field in training camp and began taking reps. Throughout those practice reps, and again in matchup against the Vikings, Foreman showcased his power and speed, as well as how he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
"I think it puts a lot into perspective, like how fast life can change and how things can happen," Foreman said. "So, to be able to still be healthy and be able to come out here and play the game that I love to play, stuff I've been working hard for, I'm just very thankful for that."
Check out photos of the Browns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 of the Preseason
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Caleb Johnson (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Caleb Johnson (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) and Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
The Defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and Defensive end Jeremiah Martin (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end Treyton Welch (82) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Jeremiah Martin (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Aidan Robbins (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end Treyton Welch (82) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (10) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka (61) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Kicker Cade York (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) and Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Running back Aidan Robbins (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Injuries to three tackles
Throughout training camp, the Browns have been working through their tackles. They are still awaiting the return of RT Jack Conklin and LT Jedrick Wills Jr., who each sustained season-ending knee injuries during the 2023 season.
However, their tackles took another hit during the second preseason game. LT James Hudson III (ankle), LT Hakeem Adeniji (knee) and RT Germain Ifedi (hand) to injuries and missed the latter half of the game. Stefanski said following the game that he didn't have updates on the three tackles, but they will get the necessary tests for the injuries.
"Feel badly for all those guys, and then we'll rehab and get them back as soon as we can," Stefanski said.
RT Roy Mbaeteka and LT Lorenzo Thompson played the offensive snaps for a portion of the third and the fourth quarter, putting critical snaps on tape as the Browns sort through their depth at tackle.
Improvement of run defense
The Browns run defense struggled some early in the first half of the game but settled in as the game continued. In the first half, the Browns gave up seven rushes of five or more yards, as well as three rushes for 10 or more yards. They shrunk that number in the second half, only giving up two rushes of five or more yards.
"I thought by and large it was good," Stefanski said. "They ripped off a couple downhill runs. But I think you saw certainly in the second half, maybe the guys did a nice job of staying in their gaps."
The Vikings finished the game with 113 total rushing yards. They recorded 27 rushing plays and averaged just 4.2 yards per carry.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said their goal was to run the ball as much as they could against the Browns defensive scheme.
"I thought whether it was RB Kene (Nwangwu) or RB Myles (Gaskin) or D-Bo (RB DeWayne McBride) – I thought all of our backs ran well against a tough scheme to run the ball. Penetrating the front. So, I was happy with the way we were able to churn out some yards on the ground."
