A look at key players for each AFC North team who are coming back from injuries: Baltimore Ravens: Cornerback Lardarius Webb. The Ravens need their top cornerback to return to his old form, especially with Cary Williams going to the Eagles in free agency.
By now, everyone knows the Cleveland Browns agreed on a two-year contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer. The question that remains is Hoyer's role. My take on Hoyer is he's a notch below backup quarterback Jason Campbell but probably better than most teams' No.
While the other teams in the AFC North are preparing for minicamps next week, the Cleveland Browns have been busy on and off the field during their workouts this week. The Browns signed two players (see below) and welcomed guard Jason Pinkston back to the practice field after a blood clot cut short last season for him.
Here are some highlights from our weekly AFC North chat ... Jesse [via mobile]: Is Antonio Brown a No. 1 receiver? Jamison Hensley (ESPN): There are different levels of No. 1 receivers in the league.
This is a statement issued by linebacker Rolando McClain to explain why he decided to retire Wednesday: "Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions. Quite simply, I love football, but I have decided at this time it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together.
I know everyone was holding up their plans for the summer until the dates and kickoff times for the preseason games were finalized. All times are ET. So here you go: CINCINNATI BENGALS Thursday, Aug.
Some good news from Browns minicamp Thursday: guard Jason Pinkston is back on the field. This marks the first participation for Pinkston since he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung on Oct. 19.
The AFC North is finishing up the position ranks today, and I will have a wrap-up on all of the rankings Friday. Let's look at special teams, and the rankings are based on specialists and not coverage or return units as a whole.
Cleveland Browns general manager Mike Lombardi recently spoke about the team's focus on building first-half leads. "If you can't effectively throw the ball, if you can't get the lead ... early in the game, if you can't rush the passer, then you're going to have a hard time winning," Lombardi told The Plain Dealer.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam denied he had any knowledge of rebate fraud by his family-run truck-stop business. "Absolutely not. I will say absolutely not," Haslam said Thursday morning at a trucking company seminar, via The Plain Dealer.
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