The Cleveland Browns saw several starters, including quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb, suffer season-ending injuries in 2023. However, as they get set to begin Organized Team Activities (OTAs), they have gotten great feedback on the status of plenty of returning players.
As the Browns look to get back to the playoffs again in 2023, they will need to get healthy and stay healthy. Browns’ insider Mary Kay Cabot gave a glimpse inside the building and into the recovery process of a plethora of players who saw their seasons derailed by injuries a year ago.
Here are the updates provided by Cabot as the players are beginning to shuffle back into Berea for OTAs:
“Watson is throwing with his normal velocity and range coming off the fractured socket and partially torn labrum, and everyone is optimistic about his on-schedule recovery. But his comprehensive medical team, including his surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, have outlined a protocol that will ramp him up during OTAs with the goal of him throwing in 7-on-7s and team drills towards the end of the nine sessions and into minicamp... The program will likely include some days off from throwing and some tossing off to the side.”
“Chubb won’t be participating in OTAs or the minicamp from a team drills standpoint, but he’s been around all offseason rehabbing the knee and providing inspiration to his teammates… But he’s been running for several weeks, and looks good. If all goes as planned, he’ll test the twice-reconstructed left knee during training camp, and work toward a return to the field as soon as possible.”
“The good news for the Browns is that their two other starting tackles, Jones and Wills, have recovered well from surgery to repair their torn MCLs, and will participate in OTAs.”
“The o-line hasn’t been intact since Wills was carted off Nov. 5th against the Cardinals, and it will be good for them to have the band back together.”
“Conklin, who turns 30 in August, is progressing well from his surgery in September, but will need more time to recover. He’ll mostly work off to the side during OTAs or inside with the trainers, with the goal of ramping up during camp towards the season.”
“Coming off of his hip injury from December, Thompson-Robinson will be limited in OTAs and minicamp and will possibly work his way up to 7-on-7s in the spring. But the goal for DTR coming off the subluxation is to be ready for training camp, and the Browns will proceed with caution between now and then… Recent exams have been encouraging, and the Browns expect him to participate more fully in training camp.”
“Okoronkwo and Hurst are both coming off torn pecs but will participate fully or close to it in OTAs. Hurst recently told cleveland.com he can’t wait to mentor No. 54 pick Mike Hall Jr. and help bring him up the learning curve.”
“Okoronkwo, who returned for the season finale and wild card game, said at an event over the weekend that he’s aiming for double-digit sacks this season. He had 4.5 in his 14 games, but is confident he’s capable of more. He’ll also have a new position coach this season in former Texans defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire.”
“Bitonio, 32, hasn’t attended voluntary OTAs the past few years, which will give young guards Michael Dunn and 2024 third-round pick Zak Zinter more reps with the first team.
An 11th-year pro, Bitonio doesn’t need OTAs, and must save the wear and tear on his body. Dunn and Zinter need more reps, it’s the perfect storm.”
“Delpit worked overtime to try to return for the playoffs from the groin injury he suffered Dec. 10 against the Jaguars, but it wasn’t to be. A tireless worker, Delpit is ready to roll in OTAs and pick up where he left off last season…”