WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va – The Browns are over halfway through their trip to The Greenbrier, and in their first five days of camp, have put in the work on the practice fields.
It's still relatively early in the evaluation process, but the opening days of camp have provided the most updated look at the roster and what the Browns have for the 2024 season. They are installing their new offensive system under new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, and tweaking elements of their defense in the second year of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme.
So, we opened up the mailbag and answered your questions.
How is Nick Chubb progressing? – Jesse M., Brewster Ohio
The Browns are pleased with Chubb's recovery and how he is progressing. While he is listed on active/physically unable to perform list, he has been at The Greenbrier with the team working off to the side at practice going through exercises. He was also seen after practice on Day 2 running sprints.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Berry noted the progress Chubb has made since the season-ending injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season.
"Nick, he's Batman, right?" Berry said. "Like, we are incredibly pleased with the work that he's put in, the progress that he's made. He still has a little ways to go, but we're really happy to see where he is as we enter camp and look forward to him to continue to improve the health of the knee."
How do the Browns look this year at The Greenbrier? – Ben N., Dalton, Ohio
Through the first five days of practice at The Greenbrier, the Browns have shown some solid work on the practice field. Their 11-on-11 periods and 7-on-7 red zone work have been parts of practice have been competitive and they are putting in the work in positional drills as well. The connection QB Deshaun Watson has with his receivers and pass catchers in those drills as he finds them for the completions has stood out, while the defensive dominance from last season is ever-present.
The Browns have only practiced one day in pads, which came on the third day of practice. It was a lighter practice as they adjusted to both the weather conditions and being back in pads. They have another practice in pads on July 31, one of their final two days before they head back to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Yet, each day of training camp has been focused on the preparation for the remainder of training camp, the preseason and the 2024 regular season.
"I feel we really set the foundation with the team last year here, and it just brings us together," CB Denzel Ward said. "And just a great opportunity to play football. Get away from everybody and just focus on ball and each other."
Where does D'Onta Foreman fit? – Kevin H., Waller, Texas
This will be one of the big questions that comes out of training camp and the remainder of the preseason. As the Browns await Chubb's return to the field, they have to work through the remainder of the running back room – which currently consists of Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., D'Onta Foreman, John Kelly Jr. and Aidan Robbins.
Foreman has a chance to carve out a role as a power back. He's also showcased that he's a solid pass catcher out of the backfield. In the first five days of training camp, Foreman has been in position drills where he's taken handoffs from QB Deshaun Watson or caught passes from him in offensive work.
As training camp and the preseason continues, the Browns will sort through how their running back room shakes out. Foreman can use this time to demonstrate the value he can bring to the room as a power back.
"He has played really good football in his career, runs hard," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "As you see, just turn on the tape – he's a physical runner, can catch the ball out of the backfield. So, I do think he brings an element to this room and see how it all shakes out. But certainly, is a veteran that you can turn on the tape and see what he's been able to do."
Who will be the second-string QB? (Jameis) Winston or (Tyler) Huntley? – Solomon W., Duncan Falls, Ohio
The Browns are only five days into training camp, so there hasn't been an official decision about who is the backup quarterback. They will use their time throughout training camp and the preseason games to work through their quarterback room and find the best fit for the second-string quarterback.
The Browns went through some extenuating circumstances in 2023 when they started five different quarterbacks over the course of the season. So, in the offseason they added depth when they signed Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley in free agency, bringing their quarterback total to four on the active roster.
With all four healthy and on the practice field, they are working through their quarterback room. Berry said that normally prefers to keep three quarterbacks on the roster but will work through the needs of the team as camp continues.
"I'm not just going to keep three to keep three and there are certain situations – like the opportunity with Josh (Dobbs) last year at the cut-down, we felt like that was good for the team," Berry explained. "But generally speaking, we do believe in keeping three as long as we have three that we think are worth keeping."
