As the Browns prepare for their final tune-up of the preseason and look ahead to the beginning of the regular season, head coach Kevin Stefanski said they have adjusted their schedule to resemble the regular season with the intention to help players adapt.
"Get used to the idea of getting a game plan first and second down today, getting a third down game plan tomorrow, getting a red zone game plan the next day," Stefanski said. "So, just really conditioning our bodies, conditioning their minds to be ready to get through a regular season schedule, if you will."
The Browns will travel out to Seattle a couple of days before the game to adjust to the time change before they face the Seahawks on Aug. 24 for their preseason finale.
"(Seattle head coach) Mike Macdonald's a very, very good coach, as we've seen firsthand, got a ton of respect for him," Stefanski said. "He's got a great coaching staff out there. So, it be a great challenge for our football team, especially, to go on the road playing in a stadium that we know is very loud. So, you have to deal with the noise conditions or the crowd noise, which is excellent work for our football team. But we'll start that work really in earnest today."
Here are the top news items and notes from Stefanski heading into the week of practice.
Starters expected to play
While the first two preseason games have featured a majority of backups and young players working towards a roster spot, Stefanski said that the starters "should expect to play" in Saturday's matchup against the Seahawks.
"In these game settings, it's a matter of getting ready for the season," Stefanski said. "And really, we do think about each one of our players, what do they need to prepare their mind, and prepare their body for a 17-game season."
That includes QB Deshaun Watson – who has not played in the preseason. When he takes the field, it will be the first game he's played since Nov. 12 of the 2023 season. Stefanski said they will use this week to determine if Watson will play, just how much Watson would play and if he would start the third preseason game.
Stefanski said the value of playing in the preseason game for a quarterback like Watson comes down to operation.
"We'll determine who does or doesn't, how many plays they do," Stefanski said. "In particular with Deshaun, I want to take in all the information this week and really make a final determination later in the week."
Injury Updates
Stefanski provided small updates on the progress of certain players who are working through injuries.
RB Nyheim Hines, who is coming back from an ACL injury he endured in the offseason in 2023, continues to make progress.
"He's working very hard. I don't have a date for you guys with Nyheim," Stefanski said. "But works extremely hard. I get to watch him work. So, he's doing well and progressing well."
DT Maurice Hurst II, who left practice on Aug. 15 with an injury, is getting better. Stefanski said that he wasn't ready to practice just yet.
RT Jack Conklin, who is continuing his recovery from a season-ending knee injury he endured during Week 1 of the 2023 season, has not practiced yet with the Browns. However, he's been out with the offensive line on the sidelines at practice.
"A guy who's worked extremely hard all offseason and continues to work hard. We'll see, but I'm really focused on today and where he is," Stefanski said. "But I can tell you, he's doing everything and more to get ready to play."
