The time has come, Browns fans, It’s game week. The roster is set, the practice squad is set and the team is game planning for the Ravens. I never thought this week would come. Lets talk about the roster first. The good news is that center J.C. Tretter is practicing again and is determined to play on Sunday. I thought rookie Nick Harris did a good job and felt confident in his ability if he had to play on Sunday. But having Tretter back would give the Browns a better chance in Baltimore. Also returning to practice was cornerback M.J. Stewart, which will definitely help the defense. Questions still remain about CB Greedy Williams, LB Mack Wilson and CB Kevin Johnson. I have heard that Williams injury is not as bad as everyone thinks and Johnson is ahead of schedule on his injury. I’ve heard nothing on Mack Wilson and I’m checking the injured reserve list everyday. I guess we’ll have to wait for the first injury report this week.
A quick note on the new injured reserve rules for 2020. If a player was placed on the injured reserve by last Sunday September 6, they are required to sit out the entire 2020 season. At some point, and I’m not sure when, the Browns can designate players for short-term IR. This requires a player to only sit out the first three games. This option still might be possible for Mack and Johnson. Finally unlike in years past, there is no limit to how many players can come off short-term IR. Last year only two players could be re-activated from the injured reserve. I’m also glad to see the Browns stashed OT Alex Taylor on the this years IR.
Besides the final roster, the Browns made some major news. GM Andrew Berry solidified the safety position by trading for Ronnie Harrison. It only cost the Browns a 2021 draft pick and Harrison is under contract for the Browns for two years. Berry found the defensive line depth he’s been searching for by signing DT Vincent Taylor and DE Joe Jackson. Both are veterans. The biggest news came yesterday when the Browns signed RB Kareem Hunt to a two year contract extension for $13.25 million. Word is the offer came from Hunt and his agent. Hunt is so grateful the Browns took a chance on him, he offered a hometown discount. Just when 2020 keeps getting weirder by the hour, a star player in the NFL offers to stay with the Browns on a discount.
Back to the Hunt signing, Browns twitter is now convinced the Browns won’t resign RB Nick Chubb. I beg to differ. The Browns new offense is a run heavy, tight end driven offense, so I could see the Browns extending Chubb after the 2020 season. The problem for the 2021 roster is WRs Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry will be owed collectively about $ 30 million. Could one or both restructure? Sure. I’m really glad the Browns resigned Rashard Higgins and drafted Donovan Peoples-Jones. Plus the Browns have to decide on the fifth year options for QB Baker Mayfield and CB Denzel Ward. You have to give Andrew Berry credit for one thing, with all his signings and drafting, he’s not only thinking about this year, but also five years down the road.
As for the practice squad, thirteen of the sixteen players signed spend this year with the Browns at training camp. They already know the system and would be ready to go if called upon because of injury. The Browns filled the last two spots on the PS by signing OL Greg Senat and RB John Kelly. I’m curious why the Browns signed K Cody Parkey. Competition or insurance? Only Andrew Berry knows.
So, it’s game week and the Browns are on to Baltimore. I expect a heavy dose of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Not only to control the game and the clock, but to also protect rookie offensive tackle Jedrick Wills. The less pass plays, the better. The players on the defense are faster and the defensive line needs to control the Ravens offense. I just wish S Grant Delpit hadn’t gotten hurt. I have a feeling he would’ve been shadowing Lamar Jackson all game. Neither team has played a game, so they’re both in the same boat. It’s going to be an uphill climb for our Browns, but stranger thing have happened, remember it’s 2020. Stay safe everyone and Go Browns.