CHICAGO -- Josh Lenz had a feeling Thursday would be his busiest game of the preseason, but it went to a different level Wednesday when he learned a little bit more about the coaches' plans.
On top of starting and playing the entire first half at his natural wide receiver spot, Lenz learned he'd be needed at safety. The Browns rested their entire starting secondary, had injuries hampering a handful of reserves and wanted to rest special teams ace Johnson Bademosi, who received a bunch of repetitions in the first three preseason games.
Lenz, a former high school defensive back who has been fighting for a full-time roster spot since he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013, didn't need the details.
"The more you can do," Lenz said after Cleveland's 24-0 loss to Chicago. "I was out there and doing what they asked me to do."
That applied even more at the position he hopes to play as a member of Cleveland's 53-man roster.
On a tough night for the Browns offense, Lenz led the way with four receptions for 49 yards. He showed off crisp route running, good hands and some hops throughout his most complete game of the preseason.
In the days leading up to the game, Lenz was mentioned by Browns coach Mike Pettine as a player who was fighting for one of the final four or five roster spots. He left Soldier Field with "no regrets" about how he's played since he signed with the Browns in late May.
"It's just a waiting game now," Lenz said. "I feel like I went out there and did everything I could in the preseason and put some good things on film. Now you just have to wait and see how they feel."
Just a few lockers to the left, rookie Vince Mayle offered similar answers to a similar line of questioning.
The fourth-round pick out of Washington State caught two passes Thursday in his most extensive action of the preseason. His penalty in the second quarter negated a long kickoff return by Darius Jennings, a rookie wide receiver who is also fighting for a roster spot. Jennings had three catches for 8 yards and a costly fumble inside Chicago territory.
Earlier in the week, Pettine said Mayle was having some adjustment issues from college to the NFL, and Mayle said Thursday the plays in John DeFilippo's offense have been tough for him to master after playing in such a drastically different offense at Washington State.
"I feel good about how I went out and competed and anything I can do to make the team," Mayle said. "It's up to the guys upstairs now and I'll wait it out and wait it out."
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown throws a pass to running back Isaiah Crowell as the Browns quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell watches before an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
WR Terrelle Pryor catches a pass in pregame warmups
OL Joe Thomas smiles in pregame warmups before the Browns face the Bears
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor taking pregame reps
Every player has their own form of pregame prep
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine talks to Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) before an NFL preseason football game
Chicago Bears' Terrance Mitchell (20) is tackled by Cleveland Browns' Vince Mayle (85) on a kick off return during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) hands off the ball to running back Terrance West (28) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (3) runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Willie Young (97) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Lenz is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Brock Vereen (45) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Browns wide receiver Vince Mayle looks to make a play on special teams
Chicago Bears plays against Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Lenz makes a catch against Chicago Bears defense during the first half of an NFL preseason football game
Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) battles for extra yards
Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (36) is tackled by Cleveland Browns strong safety Ibraheim Campbell, defensive back Joe Rankin and defensive end Billy Winn (90)
Cleveland Browns running back Shaun Draughn (20) runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Mason Foster (53)
Browns wide receiever Vince Mayle makes a sliding reception
Offensive coordinator John DeFillippo relaying the play to QB Thad Lewis
Fans cheer on the Browns at Soldier Field
Fans cheer on the Browns at Soldier Field
Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor looks to pick up a block down-field
DL John Hughes stands on the sidelines
OL Cameron Erving standing on the sidelines
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine talks to Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears
