Denzel Ward expected to be full-go for Chiefs; Takk McKinley still in the plans for this season: Browns Insider

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The sight of Browns cornerback Denzel Ward standing on the sidelines in a bucket hat for the past two weeks of training camp has been a little disconcerting for fans venturing out to practice, but they can rest assured that Ward will be at the ready for the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce on Sept. 12.

Ward has been suffering from unspecified soreness, and has been wearing a sleeve on his right leg, but some of it is precautionary. Ward, the Browns’ lockdown corner and a 2018 Pro Bowler, has been prone to soft-tissue injuries his first three seasons, and the Browns are taking measures to get him to the season healthy and keep him that way.

Ward, who’s due for a big extension sometime between now and next offseason, has missed three or four games in each of his first three seasons, and the Browns are trying to avoid that this year. Ward is also one of several premier defenders “on ice” for the much of the preseason to ensure a strong start to the season. He’s been joined on the sidelines by Myles Garrett (hamstring), Jadeveon Clowney (rest) and others. If the opener were tomorrow, they’d all be able to play.

As for the overhauled defense not practicing together much this camp because of injuries and rest, the Browns are confident the unit will coalesce in time to play winning ball the first quarter of the season.

Here are some other Insider updates:

1. Takk McKinley is still in the Browns’ plans

Day 4 of Cleveland Browns training camp, July 29, 2021 — Cleveland Browns offensive tackle James Hudson (top) battles defensive end Takkarist McKinley during a one-on-one drill in day 4 of training camp, July 31, 2021, in Berea. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Kevin Stefanski has been mum on what’s going on with McKinley, who’s been dealing with a personal issue since running off the practice field with an apparent illness on July 30. But McKinley, the Browns’ No. 3 defensive end heading into camp, remains firmly in the Browns’ plans this season, and they’re eager to get him back.

If all goes as hoped, that could be sooner than later. The return of McKinley would be a boost for the defensive line room considering his ability to disrupt the quarterback, even if it doesn’t always translate to sacks. The Browns still have high hopes for McKinley getting his career back on track here because of their belief in his talent.

2. The loss of Jacob Phillips

Day 11 of Cleveland Browns training camp, August 10, 2021 — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (L) is hit by linebacker Jacob Phillips on a keeper run during 11-on-11 on day 11 of training camp, August 10, 2021, in Berea. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

It hurts losing Phillips possibly for the season to a torn biceps tendon during the first practice against the Giants, but the Browns feel good about their linebacker depth, especially with the early emergence of second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and the significant improvement of Mack Wilson.

Phillips was backing up Anthony Walker Jr. at middle linebacker, but was also cross-training on the weak side and strong side, and would’ve likely rotated in at one of those spots too. Thanks to the current outlook, the Browns might not have to add a bigger-name ‘backer as camp goes on and the season approaches.

3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah coming on strong

Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars during first preseason game, August 14, 2021 — Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew in the first half during their first preseason game, August 14, 2021, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Owusu-Koramoah got his inaugural first-team reps Thursday against the Giants partially because of injuries to Phillips and Sione Takitaki (hamstring), but he demonstrated that he deserves more of a look with the starters. Whatever deficiencies he might have in terms of seeing the field and understanding run sets can be overcome by his speed and athleticism. The team’s best blitzer, Owusu-Koramoah has tremendous closing speed, and such a high football acumen that he’s making a case to start in the opener.

Some of it will depend on how he performs today against the Giants, and next week in Atlanta. But it will be difficult to keep that dynamic playmaking ability off the field, even if he’s a little raw at times. If defensive coordinator Joe Woods opts for Mack Wilson’s experience in the starting lineup, Owusu-Koramoah will likely be quick off the bench.

4. Grant Delpit’s hamstring not serious

Day 14 of Cleveland Browns training camp, August 17, 2021 — Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit catches a pass during coverage drills on day 14 of training camp, August 17, 2021, in Berea. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

Delpit aggravated his hamstring on Wednesday, one day after he returned from a two-week absence from it, but it’s nothing that should keep him out for an extended period of time. Delpit, working his way back from a ruptured Achilles, will likely rest a couple of weeks and then work his way back up to team drills.

If the hamstring cooperates, Delpit could get playing time in the first quarter of the season, possibly even the opener. Fortunately for him, he felt like the initial two-week layoff didn’t set him back much, and he stayed up on things mentally. It helps that Ronnie Harrison Jr. (hamstring), who will start opposite John Johnson III, is back in practice and looking good.

5. Greg Newsome II vs. Greedy Williams

Cleveland Browns training camp Day 16 and joint practice with the New York Giants, August 19, 2021 — Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II slides down after intercepting a pass from the New York Giants during day 16 of Cleveland Browns training camp and a joint practice with the New York Giants in Berea. cleveland.com

As expected, the competition for the No. 2 cornerback job is bringing out the best in both players. Newsome still has a leg up for the starting job, but Williams had his best week of practice with several breakups against the Giants, and is remaining in the mix. As Williams continues to shake off the rust and his shoulder gets stronger, he’s playing faster. Unfortunately for him, he left Friday’s joint session with a migraine, but hopes to play on Sunday. The competition will likely continue through the third preseason game in Atlanta.

6. Demetric Felton’s chance to shine as a RB

Sixth-round pick Demetric Felton spent much of the week as a running back instead of flip-flopping between that and receiver, and blasted through some holes in the stout Giants defense. Granted, they weren’t tackling to the ground so it’s hard to tell, but Felton has demonstrated great vision, burst and speed, and the moment has never been too big for him.

With most of the starters resting, today’s game will be his first chance to carry the ball consistently in live action and make an impression on the coaches. Reps for the third running back will be hard to come by, but Felton has enough dual-threat ability that the Browns will be tempted to get him on the field somehow.

7. David Njoku continues to be the best TE in camp

Njoku’s excellent camp continued through the joint practices, and he continues to be the best tight end in camp. Njoku is having the best camp of his five years here, and has exceeded expectations. The Browns hoped that Njoku’s natural ability would emerge once he bought into the program, and it’s happening.

Njoku has learned to concentrate through the catch, including the terrific TD reception he made over the Giants’ Jabrill Peppers on Thursday in which he hung on one-handed as the two went to the ground. He’s also put on good weight and can outmuscle smaller safeties and linebackers. The Browns will likely wait until around midseason to see how it’s going, but an in-season extension isn’t out of the question, and Njoku now wants to stay.

8. Anthony Schwartz must make up for lost time

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Anthony Schwartz catches a pass at practice on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, in Berea, Ohio.AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Schwartz is still struggling with the hamstring injury, and acknowledged that he must dial back some of his 4.26 speed at times to keep the hamstring healthy. The coaches want to utilize his speed, so they’re eager for him to get back soon and prove they can trust him to make the play. If the Browns give him a limited package of plays, some simple go routes and other things, they might still be able to count on him in Kansas City.

9. Malik McDowell impressive

McDowell, the 2017 second-round pick of the Seahawks who’s trying to get on an NFL field for the first time after a series of struggles, continues to show that he’s worth the investment of more time and effort. A big, raw talent who’s shaking off the rust, McDowell looks better and more control of his big frame every day, and he’s getting great mentoring from teammates such as Malik Jackson and Clowney. McDowell is one of number of Browns players, including McKinley, who have a chance to thrive in a supportive environment.

10. Last receiver spots up for grabs

Cleveland Browns training camp Day 17 and joint practice with the New York Giants, August 20, 2021 — Cleveland Browns wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge catches a pass for a touchdown during day 17 of Cleveland Browns training camp and a joint practice with the New York Giants in Berea. cleveland.com

The Browns’ first five receiver spots are locked up by Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Rashard Higgins, but the sixth one — if they keep a sixth — is still up for grabs. Players such as KhaDarel Hodge, JoJo Natson and Ja’Marcush Bradley are vying for the spot, and it could come down to special teams ability. The Browns also like newcomer Davion Davis, but he could be destined more for the practice squad. The final two preseason games will go a long way toward determining how this plays out, and Felton is also a factor. He’ll definitely make the roster and counts as half-running back, half-receiver.