The Browns wrapped up their final open training camp practice, continuing their preparation for the preseason finale against the Seahawks.
Cleveland will go through a "normal Friday" practice on Thursday before the team hops on the plane to head out to Seattle. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said as they have prepared for the final preseason game, he's briefly touched base with head coach Mike Macdonald about the game plan for Saturday's matchup.
"I've exchanged some texts with those guys, but I haven't had a chance to talk to Coach Macdonald just yet," Stefanski said. "But we kind of texted about what the general plan is."
Here are the top pieces of news and notes from Stefanski.
No decision on starter at quarterback against Seattle
As the Browns wrapped up practice on Wednesday, Stefanski did not dive into the plan for their final preseason game against Seattle for who will start at quarterback. Earlier in the week, Stefanski said that the starters "should expect to play" in the final game of the preseason.
However, Stefanski explained that QB Deshaun Watson was dealing with some general arm soreness on Wednesday. Watson did participate in practice, but was limited, and QB Jameis Winston took reps. Stefanski added that due to the nature of the position and throwing frequently in practice, soreness can happen, and wasn't the first time in camp Watson has experienced some soreness. Watson has only had one rest day during training camp.
"I decided to hold back a little bit with him, but not overly concerned," Stefanski said of Watson. "He could have gone. He's feeling fine."
Stefanski also said they will see if Watson throws in the final practice on Thursday, but that he is not ruling Watson out for Saturday.
Watson has not played in the first two preseason game, and any game reps would be the first game he's played in since November of the 2023 season. Winston started the first preseason game against the Packers but did not play in the second preseason game against the Vikings.
Injury Updates
RB Pierre Strong Jr. left practice on Wednesday after being injured in an individual drill. He walked off the field with the training staff. Stefanski said Strong is dealing with a rib injury but did not have a further update.
"Pierre has done a really nice job in special teams, a really nice job in the run game, pass protection, pass game, obviously has always been good in that area," Stefanski said.
The Browns later provided another update on Strong, and said Strong suffered a rib contusion. He has been released from University Hospitals after being transported there by ambulance as a precaution while experiencing shortness of breath.
CB Denzel Ward, who sustained a hit and has been in the concussion protocol since Aug. 12, is still in the protocol. Stefanski confirmed Ward has a concussion, which is his fifth.
"We have a great medical team and great resources when guys are in that protocol, and I'm confident in that," Stefanski said.
S Ronnie Hickman, who has been dealing with an injury, is "close" to returning, according to Stefanski.
