CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield returned to practice on Thursday and was listed as a full participant. He was one of five players who returned to the practice field on Thanksgiving.
Wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) and Jarvis Landry (knee) also returned and were limited and defensive tackle Malik Jackson (knee) was limited after missing Wednesday. Rookie linebacker Tony Fields also returned after dealing with an illness.
Center JC Tretter didn’t practice on Thursday, a regular occurrence for the veteran.
Mayfield didn’t practice on Wednesday after adding to his growing list of injuries with a groin injury. He is also dealing with a left foot injury, a right knee contusion and a torn labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder
He admitted on Wednesday the lower body injuries have had an impact on his mechanics.
“Especially for me, kind of an unorthodox throwing motion when it comes to my lower body, just how violent it is and your lower body is so important in your throwing motion regardless, so it’s been definitely a different issue to overcome,” Mayfield said, “but the shoulder stuff’s kind of the new normal, I’m not really worried about that anymore, still trying to protect it as much as I can, but like I told you guys, there’s plays to be made with my feet and that’s where I’ve been kind frustrated with that.”
For the Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson (illness) was again a full participant in practice.
Cornerback Anthony Averett (thigh) returned to practice and was limited. He missed Sunday’s game against the Bears. Right tackle Patrick Mekari (ankle) returned and was limited while wide receiver Devin Duvernay (knee, chest) and linebacker Josh Bynes (hip) were upgraded to full participants.
What Kareem brings
Potentially adding Kareem Hunt back into the mix for Sunday night’s matchup is potentially a game-changer for a Browns offense stuck in the mud in recent weeks. Hunt, even after missing five games, remains the Browns second-leading rusher, is second in scrimmage yards and second in total touchdowns.
“When it comes to the explosive portion of our offense, we have been missing that with him, as well,” Mayfield said on Wednesday. “Some of the shotgun plays with him coming out of the backfield, whether it is run or pass, he is a key part of our offense.”
Stefanski lauded Hunt on Wednesday for his effort.
“When he is on the field, he is a great pass pro, a threat coming out of the backfield to catch routes and can line up outside to catch routes, and we know what type of runner he is,” Stefanski said. “He runs so hard and gains those extra yards, it feels like, with each one of his runs.”
The Browns designated Hunt, along with right tackle Jack Conklin, to return from injured reserve on Wednesday and have until 4 p.m. Saturday to activate them for Sunday night’s game.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Conklin’s surprise
Hearing dislocated elbow doesn’t exactly engender confidence a player will return to the field anytime soon, but Conklin was designated to return after missing just three games, the minimum required to come off IR, and, like Hunt, could return Sunday night.
Even Stefanski seemed a little surprised, at least thinking back to when Conklin was originally hurt against the Steelers.
“Probably in the moment, yes,” Stefanski said. “Any time you see a guy down like we did in the game, I was not thinking it would be a ‘weeks’ injury like it was. Not surprised when you think about Jack and the type of person and player he is. He is as tough as they come.”
Conklin is Pro Football Focus’ 14th-highest graded tackle overall and sixth-highest graded tackle in run blocking this season.
Cutting it short
Stefanski said on Wednesday he was moving the Thursday schedule up for Thanksgiving, meaning an earlier practice and no meetings after practice.
Get the latest Browns merchandise: Here’s where you can order Cleveland Browns gear online, including jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and much more.
More Browns coverage
Watch Hunt’s return to practice after five weeks off
Mayfield getting his head on straight for two huge Ravens games
On QBs Mayfield and Jackson both playing: Berea Report
Mayfield sits out Wednesday practice
Hunt, Conklin to return from injured reserve
Why the Browns will -- and won’t -- make the playoffs: Podcast
Eddie George among 26 2022 Hall of Fame semifinalists
Browns to host Raiders at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 18
Hunt plans Sunday return: ‘I’m going to come back and bring the fire’
Ad Choices