The Browns wrapped up their week of open practice on Wednesday, with a "normal Friday practice" scheduled on Thursday. They then hopped on a plane to head out to Seattle for their final preseason game against the Seahawks on Aug. 24.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier in the week that the starters should expect to play in the preseason finale, allowing them to put in game reps with about two weeks before the start of the regular season.
Wednesday's final open practice featured the return of a key player, as well as updates on the status of injured players.
WR Amari Cooper returned to practice on Wednesday and fully participated after not practicing on Tuesday. Cooper went through the walkthrough portion of Tuesday's practice.
RB Pierre Strong Jr. sustained a rib injury during Wednesday's practice. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution for shortness of breath, and the Browns said he was later released on Wednesday. Strong is dealing with a rib contusion.
CB Denzel Ward continues to be in the concussion protocol, as Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday Ward has a concussion.
QB Deshaun Watson was limited in Wednesday's practice with general arm soreness. He was a fully participant on Thursday, where he resumed his throwing and took his normal full complement of reps with the first team.
WR David Bell, who sustained an injury during the first preseason game against the Packers, has not returned to practice.
TE David Njoku and DE Alex Wright did not practice either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Both have not practiced since Aug. 15.
S Ronnie Hickman did not participate in either practice this week, but Stefanski said Hickman is "close" to returning.
DT Maurice Hurst II left practice on Aug. 15 with an injury and has not practiced since. LB Nathaniel Watson has not practiced since the first preseason game on Aug. 10, and LB Jordan Hicks as not practiced since Aug. 4.
LT James Hudson III, who suffered an ankle injury during the second preseason game on Aug. 17, did not practice this week. Stefanski said that he will "be back soon."
