CB Denzel Ward returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since entering concussion protocol Aug. 12.
Ward, who was named to his third Pro Bowl team last season, was cleared to practice but has not been fully cleared from concussion protocol, Stefanski said Wednesday. Ward participated in individual drills during the media's viewing portion of practice, hauling in a deep catch for an interception with coaches batting at his hands to contest the catch.
"He's doing well," Stefanski said. "He's progressing. There are certain benchmarks you need to hit and that type of thing, but he's doing well."
Stefanski was asked about Ward's history with head injuries, as he has had five confirmed concussions, and Stefanski affirmed his faith in the Browns medical staff.
Here are a few other updates Stefanski gave regarding injured players and practice squad additions.
T Jack Conklin misses Wednesday's practice
Another Brown working back from injury was absent from practice on Wednesday. After returning to practice for the first time since Week 1 of the 2023 season on Tuesday, T Jack Conklin did not participate in Wednesday's practice – however the absence is all part of the two-time All-Pro's ramp-up period, Stefanski said.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson practices for second time since returning Tuesday
DT Dalvin Tomlinson, who was a key part of the dominant Browns defensive line last season, had missed all of training camp with an injury until returning to practice Tuesday afternoon.
His presence as both a physical run stopper and a vocal leader in the defensive line room were among several reasons his head coach was glad to have him back on the practice field.
"He provided great leadership in the defensive line room number one," Stefanski said. "Played well for us, obviously, he's a force up there in the middle of our defense. He fits with who we are culturally. So, again, excited to have 94 back out there."
Tomlinson, a seven-year veteran, said that while he was sidelined, he made sure to keep his mind sharp as he worked to get back on the field.
"The mental rep is sometimes almost better than the actual rep because you can get those an almost endless amount," Tomlinson said after practice. "Being a vet you have to take advantage of those things because the older you get, I guess, you limit reps on certain people, so you have to be focused on those mental reps."
Updates on LS Charley Hughlett
The Browns signed LS Rex Sunahara to the practice squad Wednesday. Sunahara took over long snapping duties in all three of the Browns preseason games as LS Charley Hughlett worked through an injury.
Stefanski said there was no concern over whether Hughlett would be able to start Week 1.
Stefanski reacts to Wednesday's practice squad signings
After Tuesday's practice, which featured only those on the Browns' 53-man roster, Wednesday's session felt a bit more crowded as the 13 newly-signed practice squad members – all of whom spent time with the Browns over the offseason and training camp – participated in practice.
"It's good to have a lot of these guys back," Stefanski said. "That's a tough day yesterday, can be emotional for a lot of guys. But just to have them back and on the field, and we missed them for a day there, but good to have them back."
Among the players signed to the practice squad is CB Justin Hardee Sr., who earned a Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer with the Jets in 2022.
"I feel great about Justin being back. Just in my short time with him, I have a ton of respect for the person," Stefanski said. "He's a great player. He's played great in this league, a Pro Bowler. So, very, very fortunate to have him."
