You could say it is the most important week of the preseason for the Cleveland Browns due to what their week will look like. The Browns are hosting the Minnesota Vikings for two joint practices this week ahead of their preseason game on Saturday.
Cleveland is coming off a preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers where all but just a couple of starters were not a factor . That very well could be the case again on Saturday since the Browns have joint practices with the Vikings this week. Getting work in with the starters in a controlled environment has been the way the Browns have preferred in the past over preseason games.
Three players especially stand out that we should be keeping an eye on in these joint practices and I have decided to pick three from the offense.
QB Deshaun Watson
Watson has been cleared for full contract and he’s full-go from now on outside of rest days that the Browns plan around him to keep the shoulder fresh. Watson hasn’t played against another defense since Week 10 last season against the Baltimore Ravens when he was injured. It is going to be very interesting to see Watson out there against the Vikings’ starting defense.
When the joint practices are held on Wednesday and Thursday, Watson is expected to take pretty much all of the first-team reps for the offense. Watson is going to play in the final preseason game and won’t play against the Vikings on Saturday. Watson’s teammates have been saying great things about him, but the Browns need to see it when it matters
WR Cedric Tillman
Tillman had a couple of targets against the Packers in the first preseason game and didn’t play all that much. He finished with one catch for three yards and the second target was just out of his reach, but would have been a chunk play for a good gain. Tillman is a player who has stood out for the Browns in training camp so far, but it would be ideal to see him do it against another team.
In joint practices against the Vikings, Tillman will get some work in and it will be a point to watch how he does. The 6-foot-3 playmaker is a key part of the future plans for the Browns. When it comes to roster building, Tillman taking a step forward this season is key.
C Nick Harris
Cleveland just made a move for Harris, who we all are quite familiar with due to the four seasons he spent with the Browns previously . Harris arrived quickly in Cleveland and is already participating with the team on Monday during training camp. Being the backup center isn’t a new job for Harris, he has done it before. We could very well see a ton of action for Harris this weekend to get him ramped up for the season.
Related: Mike Hall Jr. had himself a special day against the Packers on Saturday for one obvious reason
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