Several key Browns players return to practice

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Kevin Stefanski called today’s practice a “bonus workout”, meaning an extra one coming out of the bye week, but bonus is an understatement when you realize who has returned.

Nick Chubb, who went down against the Cowboys five weeks ago.

Wyatt Teller, who went down against the Colts four weeks ago.

And Austin Hooper, who underwent an appendectomy two weeks ago.

Three key members of an offense that has stalled in two of the past three games.

“Yes, it’s awesome having Wyatt Teller back, just the juice he brings” Hooper said. “And to have Nick obviously, one of the premier backs in this league, it’s definitely awesome.”

Hooper, who signed a $44 million deal with the Browns, has caught only 22 passes in six games, finding the end zone once. But it’s what we don’t see that has Stefanski sold.

“I’m in no way disappointed with the impact that Austin’s made,” Stefanski said. “I’ve said this before: any success that we have had on offense, #81 has been involved.”

The defense got a boost as well. Rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips, who’s been battling a knee injury for weeks, was also back on the field.

“It definitely gave me energy, just to have everybody back,” linebacker Mack Wilson said. “I just feel that this team is still building, and trying to become a great team.”

There was one noticable absence today ... Baker Mayfield, who’s still on the Reserve/Covid-19 list. Stefanski won’t speculate on a Wednesday return, but did say he doesn’t believe there’s been a lapse when it comes to the Browns, and Covid protocol.

“No one, I can promise you, is flippant in any way about the rules, the protocol, etc.,” Stefanski said. “So we’ve just gotta, all of us have to make sure that we stay on top.”

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