On Thursday, running back Robert Turbin (ankle) practiced for the first time as a Cleveland Brown.
The team kept his repetitions limited, but Turbin was off the exercise bike and in his cleats, running full speed and catching passes with shoulder pads and a helmet on.
"I'm getting there," Turbin said. "I'm getting real close."
Running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery has been spending extra time with Turbin to make sure he's mastering the offense. Because he hasn't been able to participate on the field, Turbin said he's made it a point of talking more with his new teammates in the locker room and cafeteria to build camaraderie. And on Sundays from the sidelines, he's already envisioning himself in Cleveland's offense.
"You want to approach the game from a mental standpoint, use your imagination a little bit, use some imagery and see yourself out there," Turbin said. "Getting handoffs, making decisions and making cuts as if it were you on the field."
The Browns claimed Turbin on Sept. 10 when he reached an injury settlement with the Seahawks after spraining his ankle in the preseason. Last year in Seattle, Turbin backed up Marshawn Lynch and rushed for 310 yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Turbin also caught 43 passes for 427 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons with the Seahawks.
Turbin's goal is to return next week against the Ravens, and, if not, the following week at FirstEnergy Stadium against the Denver Broncos.
Cleveland currently ranks 25th in the NFL in rushing, averaging 86.3 yards per game.
A stout 5-foot-10, 222 pounds, Turbin is a powerful runner but describes himself as a balanced back.
"I feel like I can do a little bit of everything," Turbin said. "There's not one skill that I have – it's more a variety of all of them."
