CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are in an unusual position coming into training camp, which starts this week.
The usual questions on how the squad will jell have been replaced by questions on whether this club has what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Here is a guide to training camp:
New uniforms
The Browns announced Tuesday that it will have new uniforms this year that will pay homage to the 1946 squad and the 75th anniversary of the franchise. The uniforms will be worn at select times throughout the season. Those dates will be announced at a later time.
The jersey will have a “1946” patch, which will also be seen in the end zones of FirstEnergy Stadium this fall.
“The Browns are one of those iconic franchises in all of sports, not just the NFL,” said JW Johnson, Browns executive vice president and partner. “We wanted to give a nod to the past and the players that have paved the way for the team we have here today. It’s a way to thank them for everything they’ve done for this league, for this team, and for this city.
COVID-19 protocols eased
Now that players and coaches have had an opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the protocols at practices and camps have been eased to an extent. While fans will be invited to attend and view training camp this year, fans will not be able to interact with players.
In other guidelines released by the NFL, the league is requiring players, coaches and close staffers who have not been vaccinated to continue wearing a mask and social distance.
Fully vaccinated club members will be tested for COVID-19 once every two weeks, while those who haven’t been vaccinated will continue to undergo daily testing.
First player named to COVID-19 inactive list
The Browns announced on Sunday that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was added to the COVID-19 inactive list. The rookie linebacker is sitting out the rookie and quarterback sessions the team is holding ahead of training camp.
Public invited
Fans have been invited to attend 12 open practices at the team’s training facility in Berea. Due to continued COVID-19 protocols, there will be some modified logistics from years past, the team said.
Up to 2,000 fans will be allowed in for each practice.
Tickets were available on the Browns website or mobile app starting July 19.
While the Browns’ first two practices on Wednesday and Thursday are not open to the public, fans can attend this Friday’s session.
Orange and Brown practice
The Browns will hold its annual Orange and Brown Practice at noon Aug. 8 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
The Browns said that Dawg Pound Drive will be open to all fans with DJs, live music, inflatables, food and beverages. The Browns said that team alumni will appear at the pregame event, which goes from 10 a.m. to noon.
Draft class signed
Over the weekend, the Browns finished signing all eight members of its 2021 NFL Draft class. The Browns announced they signed cornerback Greg Newsome II and wide receiver Anthony Schwartz.
Newsom was the team’s first-round selection, picked No. 26 overall from Northwestern. Schwartz was a third-round pick from Auburn.
