Who's In, Who's Out: Browns Preview - Preseason Opener vs. Packers

As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers today, the team has a list of inactive players, highlighting some notable absences. Head coach Kevin Stefanski previously indicated that some starters would see limited action, but several key players will not take the field at all.

Updates from Stefanski indicate that defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson is fine after a recent scare, and guard Wyatt Davis has returned to practice.

However, linebacker Tony Fields II, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, defensive end Za'Darius Smith, and defensive tackle Shelby Harris remained sidelined, with Smith dealing with a knee contusion. Cornerback Greg Newsome II, currently on the active/non-football injury list, was also present on the sidelines.

Running back D'Onta Foreman , who suffered an injury during a punt return, returned to practice after receiving negative X-rays and CT scans and is listed as active for the preseason opener.

Per ESPN , the following players are listed as out on the Cleveland Browns Depth Chart:

• RT Jack Conklin
• LT Jedrick Wills Jr.
• RB Nick Chubb
• RB Nyheim Hines
• SS D'Anthony Bell
• CB Greg Newsome II
• DT Dalvin Tomlinson

Additionally, a few players are listed as questionable :

• LB Tony Fields II
• DE Za'Darius Smith
• DT Shelby Harris
• FS Juan Thornhill
• WR Jerry Jeudy

Related: Preseason Preview: How Many Starters Will Browns Feature vs. Packers?

With Watson out, Jameis Winston is set to make his Cleveland debut after joining the Browns in free agency this offseason. The Browns may also look to the other quarterbacks on the depth chart—Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Thompson-Robinson, with only one year of experience, faces tough competition from the more seasoned veterans Winston and Huntley, who bring nine and four years of experience, respectively.

The Browns are navigating training camp challenges with key offensive linemen Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin on the PUP list and out of today’s game, necessitating a greater focus on backup players. The team recently brought in veteran offensive tackle Cameron Fleming for a workout, highlighting the need for depth as the season approaches. These absences have pushed backups into crucial roles, especially as the team works to solidify its new offensive scheme.