AKRON (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns sustained their first significant injury of camp during Saturday’s Family Day Scrimmage in Akron, but it might not be all that severe.
Tight end Jordan Cameron was knocked out after sustaining a shoulder injury on the first offensive series but head coach Mike Pettine downplayed the significance of the injury.
“He banged his shoulder,” Pettine said. “He should be fine. It was more precautionary than anything else.”
Cameron was targeted twice on the opening series of the scrimmage.
His only catch went for no gain and on a 4th and 9 Brian Hoyer misfired in his direction near the far sideline with safety Jordan Poyer covering. He was not seen on the field again for the remainder of practice.
Austin Shines – Receiver Miles Austin showed Saturday exactly why the Browns signed him this off season as the 2 time pro bowler showed his strong hands and run after catch ability.
“He’s a guy who’s been to the Pro Bowl, he knows how the game is played, he knows how to approach everything,” Hoyer said. “He’s always trying to improve. We’re always talking and he almost gets down on himself too much. I’m like dude, ‘I know you’re a good receiver.’ I’ve developed a good relationship with him. He’s looked great. You don’t know what’s going to happen because they limited him in the offseason so to come out here and see how he’s been playing is awesome.”
On the opening offensive series, Hoyer found Austin for 19 yards over the middle and a first down. Austin added catches of 15 and 8 yards. He was targeted 4 times and finished unofficially with 42 yards receiving.
“He’s a big guy that runs good routes,” Pettine said. “I think he’s deceptive and gets in and out of breaks. I think his body type forces defensive backs to probably foul him more than they would foul somebody else.”
Despite what would be considered by many to be a positive day, Austin is his own worst critic.
“I think I did all right. I messed up a few routes. I took a few routes deeper than I should have,” Austin said. “I have to get more comfortable in the offense. My feet are usually one way. Now I’m switching a different way and the timing from what I’m used to is different. I’m getting better and better at it each day and it’s something I just have to continue to work on.”
Gipson Update – Safety Tashaun Gipson did not participate in Saturday’s practice. Gipson left the practice field with a trainer Friday in Berea thanks to a knee injury but he could be back soon.
“We’re expecting him back hopefully by midweek,” Pettine said. “It was relatively minor.”
Poyer took reps in Gipson’s place.
LB Tank Carder (foot), LB Darius Eubanks (shoulder), OL Randall Harris (knee), WR Chandler Jones (hamstring), OL Martin Wallace (shoulder); NFIL: OL Nate McDonald (wrist), DT Phil Taylor (hamstring) also missed the scrimmage due to injuries.
Raining On The Browns’ Parade – Mother nature forced the Browns to expedite Saturday’s scrimmage at InfoCision Stadium. The team portion began 20 minutes early and wrapped up just after 12:30.
Regardless of the change in schedule, Pettine was still able to get accomplished what he wanted to.
“I wanted to keep the reps under 80 and I think we were right around that as far as the team work,” Pettine said. “But [I] was consistently getting updated that there was a chance of lighting coming in, that cleared and then there was chance of rain which is still supposed to hit. I was glad we were able to get it all in.”
Gordon Still Out – Receiver Josh Gordon did not return to the Browns in time for Family Day following his appeal hearing Friday in New York City. His appeal will continue on Monday after a reported 10-hour session Friday.
Quote(s) of the Day – 1A: “I would’ve tackled him first of all if it weren’t a scrimmage,” – QB Brian Hoyer
1B: “I got a spin in there. I got to work on my running back moves,” – OLB Barkevious Mingo.
Both referencing Mingo’s 48-yard interception return late in Saturday’s scrimmage.
Up Next – Browns players are off Sunday. Practice Monday at 9:30 a.m.; no passes are available.
Sports Stories You May Also Be Interested In
- Illini’s O’Toole Leads 1 Upset, Hopes For A 2nd
- Browns End Soft Part Of Schedule With Bucs
- Bernier Has 28 saves, Leafs Beat Jackets 4-1
- Illini’s O’Toole Leads 1 Upset, Hopes For A 2nd
