The Browns could get back two key defensive players this weekend.
Cleveland welcomed defensive lineman Danny Shelton back to practice Thursday and hope rookie defensive end Myles Garrett, the first pick in the 2017 draft, will make his regular season debut against the Jets on Sunday.
"It's always good getting our players back," head coach Hue Jackson said. "Myles is running around. Danny is running around. It's fun."
The pair of linemen would give the Browns a boost after an "unacceptable" loss to the Bengals this past weekend in which they were nearly shutout. Cleveland's defense, which has been a bright spot amid an 0-4 start, also struggled in what was its statistically worst outing this season.
Shelton — who missed last week with a calf injury — said he's looking forward to hopefully playing alongside Garrett for the first time. "At the same time I was injured in the preseason he was out there," Shelton said, "and then when he was injured, I was out there, but it's going to be great."
Garrett, meanwhile, has yet to see the field after suffering a high ankle sprain days before the season opener. Jackson said the former Texas A&M star — who totaled 31 sacks in three seasons — would give the Browns a "jolt" but stressed he won't place "too much pressure" on the youngster.
"Our football team has to play well, but can he help? Yes. He's a really good player," Jackson said, "but we all have to play well. Then he has to do his part in the game and do his job. Hopefully, defensively, we will be able to do what we want to accomplish on defense."
To be certain, both Garrett and Shelton would be welcomed additions to a group searching for its first win of the season.
"I know exactly what he is going to bring to the table," Shelton said of his younger teammate. "I just want to be able to be on the field with those guys again and make plays with them, compete with them."
