A staple of the show since its inception, the fifth and final installment of "Hard Knocks" will train a lens on a handful of players hoping to earn their spots on the active roster.
Here's five storylines we think will happen in Tuesday's season finale...
1. Nate Orchard's last stand
The Browns parted ways with veteran defensive end Nate Orchard this past weekend, but not before the former second-round pick put his best foot forward in last Thursday's final preseason game in Detroit. Orchard, who was waived Saturday after four seasons, scored on a 64-yard interception return in a 35-17 win over the Lions. "Hard Knocks" should take us inside Orchard's final few days with the team.
2. Devon Cajuste battles for a spot
Devon Cajuste became a fan favorite thanks to "Hard Knocks," but it wasn't enough to earn the journeyman tight end a spot on the roster. Cajuste joined Orchard and dozens of other players waived by Cleveland despite his best efforts to make the squad. Cajuste, to be certain, won't be soon forgotten by Browns fans after a heartwarming feature on the bond between him and his dad, Gregory, who has battled a slew of serious medical issues over the years.
3. More action in Motown
Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield made his first NFL start last week against the Lions and shined in the process. The first overall pick in the draft helped the Browns jump out to a 25-point lead at halftime in what could be the last time we see the former Oklahoma star for some time. Mayfield is expected to sit and learn behind veteran Tyrod Taylor this fall.
4. More farewells
In addition to Orchard and Cajuste, the Browns parted ways with a pair of notable players in defensive end Carl Nassib and defensive tackle Jamie Meder. Nassib, a third-round pick in 2016, had been a "Hard Knocks" with his colorful personality and dispenser of (unsolicited?) financial advice. Meder, meanwhile, spent the past four seasons in Cleveland, helping lift the team to its only win over the past two years with a field-goal block against the Chargers on Christmas Eve in 2016.
5. Where do we go from here?
The cameras stop rolling, but there's nothing finite in the season finale for the Browns. Instead, the end of "Hard Knocks" marks the beginning of a pivotal 2018 season in which Cleveland looks to bounce back from an 0-16 season. The Browns host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in the season opener.
