It’s been six weeks since my last Browns blog and I’ve been busy. As most of you know I’m now a contributor to the Fanatical Elfz Network podcasts, (http://@ElfzNetwork) and have started my own podcast through the network called “The Dawg Pound South Podcast.” Catchy name, right? I’m still writing articles for https://clesportstalk.com/ once a week but missed expressing my opinion through my blog. So for better or worse, here’s goes.
Today the team flies to West Virginia and has a walk thorough at 3:45pm EST. Coach Stefanski and selected players will be available afterword’s to meet the media. Plan your social media time appropriately. I really like this out-of-town trip not only for team unity, but also to limit distractions. And speaking of distractions, raise your hand if you actually thought DT Perrion Winfrey was going to make this team. I’ve done three early final 53-man rosters so far and in each one, he didn’t make the team. I at least thought he would make it through the West Virginia trip. I hope the young man gets the help he needs. I also hope in the future, Browns GM Andrew Berry stays away from drafting anymore players from Oklahoma.
The first injury reports were announced yesterday. On the non-football injury list were, G Colby Gossett, WR Anthony Schwartz and WR Mike Woods. On the non-football illness list was WR Marquise Goodwin with blood clots in his legs and lungs. Goodwin was going to be a key contributor in the passing game, but blood clots are extremely serious, especially for someone his age. He plans on staying with the team as he works at getting better, but due to the seriousness, I really can’t see him playing in 2023. This opens a roster spot for either Jaelon Darden or Jakeem Grant. My money is on Grant, he’s a pro bowl caliber punt returner. The good news neither Anthony Walker nor Sione Takitaki appeared on the injured list. We’ll know sometime today if they are healthy enough for training camp. Both would make a big difference in the linebacker room.
Today a couple of players announced jersey number changes. CB Greg Newsome will now wear number “0” and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will change to his college number “6.” Plan your jersey purchases accordingly. With the departure of Winfrey, I think it would be in the best interest of the Browns to sign another veteran defensive tackle. Names to watch, Matt Ioannidis, Chris Wormley, Linval Joseph and Akiem Hicks. Ndamukong Suh would be great, but he’s not signing with a team until later in the season. He doesn’t need training camp and would want to pick the best opportunity to win a ring. The only other position I can see that needs attention is the running back position. I’m not comfortable with Jerome Ford and Demetric Felton as Nick Chubb’s backups. The Browns need a veteran running back who can take over when Chubb needs a rest. Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt make the most sense, but both would have take a reduced role and reduced price. We’ll have to wait and see.
That’s it for this week. I’ll be back on my usual schedule of posting a weekly blog and will have my podcast broadcast on Mondays. Stay safe and Go Browns.