After two weeks of training camp, the Browns are taking the next step in preparation for the regular season, as they open their preseason slate with a home matchup against the Packers.
Earlier this week, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that QB Deshaun Watson would not play in Saturday's game, but that some starters would see some playing time.
Preseason games provide an opportunity for the coaching and personnel staff to make decisions on the 53-man and practice squad rosters, with the roster cut down date set for Aug. 27.
Here are three burning questions that could be answered on Saturday.
Which of the Browns running backs have the best shot at making the 53-man roster?
Cleveland has no shortage of talent in the backfield, even with RB Nick Chubb on the active/physically unable to perform list and RB Nyheim Hines on the active/non-football injury list.
Jerome Ford took over Chubb's role as the lead back after the four-time Pro Bowler went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 2, rushing for 813 yards and four touchdowns – adding five receiving scores.
D'Onta Foreman started eight games for Chicago last season, tallying 425 yards and five total touchdowns. The six-year pro went down with an injury in the first week of training camp but returned to the practice field on Thursday.
The number of running backs the Browns have kept on the 53-man roster has varied in each of Stefanski's four seasons as head coach, ranging from three to five. It is unclear how the new dynamic kickoff rules could affect the roster, and with several potential returners at running back, special teams' prowess could play a role in making the roster as a third, fourth or fifth string running back.
Look for Pierre Strong and John Kelly Jr. in the Browns kickoff game, as the two have been among the group getting reps as kick returners. Aidan Robbins, a big-bodied rookie, can look to make an impact on both kick and punt teams as a blocker or tackler in addition to his work in the backfield on Saturday.
"He comes into the building with a hard hat, he's got a sledgehammer and he's ready," running backs coach Duce Staley said of Robbins. "He's learning. One of the smartest, definitely, in the room. Being able to help others at a young age, which is awesome. He's taking great notes, just being able to take in the room what he's learning onto the field and that's what he's doing well."
Will Jameis Winston's chemistry with the wide receiver corps in practice translate to the game?
The signing of veteran QB Jameis Winston has only garnered positive reviews from Browns coaches and personnel as the lively Winston quickly bonded with his teammates – particularly with Watson.
Last year emphasized the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback, as the Browns used five different starting quarterbacks due to a string of injuries at the position.
Winston will get the start on Saturday, although it is unclear how much of the game he will play. Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will have a roughly equal split of remainder of the game, Stefanski said Thursday.
Winston looked sharp during camp, as the former No. 1 overall pick connected with his receivers on some highlight-worthy plays. On Tuesday, Winston threw at least three touchdown passes, two of them over 40 yards.
With a deep wide receiver room, it is unclear how much time, if any, guaranteed starters like Amari Cooper or Jerry Jeudy will get on Saturday as the Browns will look to audition several of their pass catchers.
Cedric Tillman is another player who could see more snaps in 2024 and has connected well in practice with both Watson and Winston.
Winston said Thursday that his goal on Saturday is to elevate his teammates, particularly the less experienced players, as they navigate their first NFL action.
"I got these young guys looking up and I'm going to make sure that I'm doing everything for them to play their best football and go out there and execute," Winston said.
How will the Browns approach the new dynamic kickoff?
The NFL made one of the most significant rule changes in recent history over the offseason with the introduction of the dynamic kickoff. The 2024 season will serve as a trial run for the new rule, which was introduced in the name of both player safety and making the kickoff a more exciting play.
The kicker will still kick off from his own 35-yard line, but his teammates will line up on the opponents' 40-yard line, with the receiving team required to line up seven or more players between the 30 and 35-yard lines in the 'set-up zone.'
Only the one or two players in the 'landing zone' – between the goal line and 20-yard line – can move before the ball is either caught or hits the ground. If the ball lands in the landing zone and goes through the end zone, the offense's drive starts at their own 20-yard line. If the ball is downed in or lands in the end zone resulting in a touchback, the drive starts at the 30-yard line. If the kickoff is short of the landing zone or lands out of bounds, the drive starts at the 40-yard line.
The new-look kickoff will certainly take some getting used to, for coaches, players and fans alike. Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone has worked all offseason to put the Browns in the best position possible in their return and coverage games but doesn't expect teams to pull out all the stops in the preseason games.
"I think coaches and teams are going to save a lot of their schemes for the regular season," Ventrone said Monday. "I don't think you'll see a lot of variety in the preseason games."
The Browns will take on the Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium Saturday at 4:25 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
