This week marked the opening of the Browns‘ training camp.
Players showed up gradually, beginning with the rookie before the big-name stars showed up later in the week.
And Saturday also marks a key date for fans: it’s their first opportunity to see the new look team and old favorites alike.
While several key contributors were missing (more on that below), many of the familiar faces took the field and showed out for the visiting onlookers.
Excitement Brewing
The return of fans to the stands is an exciting occasion.
It means one step closer to the regular season and (with any luck) playoff football.
And Head Coach Kevin Stefanski was excited to see fans return, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com:
“It always does (feel different with the fans). It does. The players love playing in front of the fans. We are excited to have (the fans). It will be my first training camp where it’s a true open camp and you have both sides of the field with fans. I think it was a little bit more muted with just one side and that type of thing. I’m looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to that energy that it brings because it does ramp up the energy that the players then have.”
Not only do the fans benefit from their attendance, but so too do the players.
It’s one thing to play behind closed doors with just a few media personnel.
But it’s another to finally get some love from the fanbase.
Especially for a rookie — this will be their first time appearing before the Cleveland loyal.
Fortunately, we’ve gotten sneak peaks at how training camp has gone this week:
#Browns A.J. Green picks Jacoby Brissett at practice today. pic.twitter.com/EPm6UDu1Iz
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 29, 2022
#Browns RBs working on their footwork led by Nick Chubb pic.twitter.com/RvBR8NT4Qf
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) July 29, 2022
#Browns Greg Newsome II with the pass breakup. pic.twitter.com/M7GRvpDE6s
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 29, 2022
Day 3 of #Browns training camp begins with Jimmy Haslam checking out the team pic.twitter.com/IA8qADeyCZ
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) July 29, 2022
The Cleveland Browns are so much more fun to watch and when running back Kareem Hunt is active and healthy!
Yes Or YES!?Happy 1st Opening Practice for the 2022/23 Cleveland Browns Training Camp Everybody!
The Dawg Pound missed you @Kareemhunt7!!!#Browns #BrownsCamp pic.twitter.com/1X9B5ZluvK
— Kevin McAndrews (@BigKevinSports) July 30, 2022
The vibes are immaculate at #Browns training camp, as John Johnson III describes. pic.twitter.com/08MqgogWCW
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 29, 2022
Browns training camp starts this week… pic.twitter.com/dC6S41eBMC
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) July 25, 2022
I am Cleveland bound for #Browns camp. Can't wait to be back
— Jacob Roach (@roachizm13) July 30, 2022
Jakeem Grant (@_TheDreamIsHere) at @Browns training camp‼️🏎 pic.twitter.com/el000NQj7M
— GUNS UP NAŦION 🌵 (@gunsupnation) July 29, 2022
Injuries
Training camp has carried a familiar theme so far: injuries.
More specifically, injuries to one group: receivers.
The Browns already carried several new receivers into the new season, including Amari Cooper and draft pick David Bell.
The latter of whom still hasn’t suited up at training camp.
Prior to camp, Bell was placed on the Physically Unable To Perform List (PUP).
The Browns maintained that the injury was a minor foot problem that prevented Bell from passing his physical.
Per NFL rules, every player must pass their physical to take the field at training camp.
Further, second-year receiver Anthony Schwartz went down this week with a non-contact knee injury.
Stefanski provided the following report on Schwartz:
“Injury update: Schwartzy (WR Anthony Schwartz) is day to day with a knee strain. We will see how that goes over the next couple of days. I think he will be OK certainly long term.”
Stefanski followed that up by ensuring the media that Schwartz would be good to go by Week One.
Schwartz needs to make the most of his time this season, after struggling with injuries all last year.
He missed time in training camp with a hamstring injury and was sidelined for three games with a concussion.
This season was pegged as a potential breakout campaign for the sophomore.
But every missed snap and rep is a missed opportunity to cement his place in the receiving rotation.
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