Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney return to Cleveland Browns practice, gear up for Cardinals

BEREA — Arizona Cardinals star quarterback Kyler Murray is a former first overall draft pick who will undoubtedly be on high alert Sunday for the two Browns starting defensive ends who were also selected at No. 1 when they transitioned from college football to the NFL. 

Myles Garrett (knee, ankle) and Jadeveon Clowney (knee, elbow) returned to Browns practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. They were limited.

Garrett said after Sunday's 47-42 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers he would continue to push through the injuries that have been affecting him for weeks.

Clowney was inactive versus the Chargers because he experienced soreness in a knee during pregame warm-ups, coach Kevin Stefanski revealed Monday, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods said Thursday he feels good about Clowney's ability to play Sunday when the Browns (3-2) face the Cardinals (5-0) at FirstEnergy Stadium.

No. 3 defensive end Takk McKinley (ankle, knee) and tight end David Njoku (knee) also returned to practice Thursday. They did not participate Wednesday.

Cornerbacks Denzel Ward (neck), Greg Newsome II (calf) and Greedy Williams (shoulder) all practiced for the second consecutive day on a limited basis.

Asked if he expects all of the corners to play Sunday, Woods said, "Hopefully, yes."

Jedrick Wills Jr., Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt among Cleveland Browns players who didn't practice Thursday

The following Browns players did not practice Thursday: left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (ankle), running backs Nick Chubb (calf) and Kareem Hunt (knee, wrist), right tackle Jack Conklin (knee), center JC Tretter (knee) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (abdomen).

Of the six players who were idle, Chubb and Tretter were the only ones who did not work out beside the field during the early portion of practice open to media.

Wills started practicing Wednesday but stopped during individual drills and had a lengthy conversation with Joe Sheehan, the Browns' senior vice president of player health and development.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday the Browns don't know whether their starting tackles, Wills or Conklin, will be ready to play against the Cardinals.

“Not really sure," Van Pelt said. "Hopefully we can get them out [to practice] later in the week, but if not, it's next-man-up mentality for us.”

Blake Hance started Sunday at left tackle in place of Wills. It was Hance's first regular-season NFL start, but Van Pelt said he played “lights out” against Chargers three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa. Van Pelt said rookie fourth-round draft pick James Hudson III played well in relief of Conklin, who left the game in the fourth quarter.

“If Jed's back, that's a bonus. If Jack's back, that's a bonus,” Van Pelt said. “But if not, we feel really good about our guys.”

Cleveland Browns receiver Jarvis Landry not expected to face the Cardinals

The Browns still did not designate five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry for return from injured reserve Thursday, meaning he is not expected to return to action Sunday.

Landry indicated as much Tuesday while speaking to a small group of reporters, including the Beacon Journal's Marla Ridenour.

Landry suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament on Sept. 19 against the Houston Texans. By rule, he is eligible to be activated from IR because he has missed the past three games, but his knee injury might need a couple of more weeks of rehabilitation.

After the Browns host the Cardinals, they will have a Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos in Cleveland. Logic suggests the Browns would not attempt to get Landry ready to play during a short practice week, so their Oct. 31 home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers would make more sense to target for a Landry return.

On Tuesday, Landry characterized the upcoming three-game homestand as "a perfect time" to come back. He has been running this week under the supervision of the Browns.

“He’s doing good," Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said of his close friend Landry. "His spirit is good. Mentally, he’s doing good. I haven’t gotten to see him run or do anything, but he’s doing much better.”

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com.