The Cleveland Browns are sticking with the same approach that took them to the playoffs last season.
After just one day of training camp, it already feels like 2023 all over again.
Right after the team completed its first practice at Greenbrier Resort, coach Kevin Stefanski shared that cornerback Greg Newsome II and tackle Dalvin Tomlinson—two key starters from last year’s top-ranked defense—might miss all of training camp due to injuries.
Newsome has had surgery on his hamstring, while Tomlinson is set for knee surgery on Friday.
Stefanski doesn’t have a specific timeline for their return but hopes they will be ready for the September 8 opener against Dallas.
This isn’t an ideal beginning, but it’s familiar for the Browns, who managed 11 wins and a wild-card spot last season despite numerous injuries, including to quarterback Deshaun Watson and star running back Nick Chubb.
In keeping with the pattern, Stefanski announced he would keep calling the plays himself.
Stefanski has been the main playcaller for Cleveland since he joined the team in 2020, and his decision to continue doing so has upset some fans.
There was speculation that the two-time AP Coach of the Year might pass on this role to new coordinator Ken Dorsey, but Stefanski will stick with what’s been successful so far.
“I listen to a lot of people and make decisions,” Stefanski said. “But I am very confident in our offensive staff. I trust coach Dorsey and the whole offensive team. So, we’ll keep working together as a unit.”
Dorsey was brought in to replace Alex Van Pelt, who is now the offensive coordinator and play caller for New England. Dorsey previously called plays for the Buffalo Bills in 2022 before being let go.
