First-round rookie Denzel Ward is set to miss his first NFL game.
Cleveland's star cornerback, who missed practice all week, remains in the league's concussion protocol and was declared out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Alleviating some of the pain from Ward's absence is the expected return of veteran cornerback Terrance Mitchell, who has missed the past eight games with a broken wrist. He was designated to return from injured reserve two weeks ago and will be eligible to play Sunday if the Browns add him back to the 53-man roster.
"He had a really good day today," coach Gregg Williams said. "He was the topic of a lot of conversation for how well he played."
Defensive back Phillip Gaines (knee), who filled in for Ward when he went down with the concussion last week against the Texans, is considered questionable. So, too, is defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who is dealing with an injured bicep. Ogunjobi missed Wednesday's practice but participated in Thursday's and Friday's.
"He is a tough dude now," Williams said.
Center JC Tretter (ankle) is questionable for a seventh straight week. Rookie offensive lineman Austin Corbett (foot) will miss his second straight game.
