Youth is served at linebacker

By Jodie Valade

Plain Dealer

BEREA

Dick Jauron has been coaching in the NFL for 28 years, and while the Browns defensive coordinator doesn’t remember every detail about every player in every season, he’s pretty sure this linebacking corps with the Browns might be a first.

The first time he’s gone into a season opener with only two players — D’Qwell Jackson and Kaluka Maiava — who have played in an actual NFL game.

“I would say probably,” said the 61-year-old Jauron, “but it would take too long for me to think through it all.”

With no apparent moves for the NFL to repeal Scott Fujita’s three-game suspension for his role in a bounty scandal while with the New Orleans Saints, the Browns are preparing for Week 1 against Philadelphia as if they will be without the veteran linebacker.

And with rookie James-Michael Johnson continuing to sit out this week with a ribs/oblique injury, that means another rookie will step in to fill Fujita’s spot. L.J. Fort, a sturdy 6-feet, 230 pounds, will be tabbed to start, and the Northern Iowa product can barely contain his excitement.

“I have to say, this is the most excited I’ve been in my life,” Fort said Thursday. “I mean, this has been my dream since I was like 8 years old. And it’s finally become a reality. It’s awesome.”

Except for the minor detail that Fort will attempt to contain Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in his first game. And except for the fact that Jauron acknowledges the learning curve is steep for rookie linebackers, in particular.

“There’s so many different things they have to do, so many different formations they have to adjust to,” Jauron said. “The run schemes are different, things change from week to week. It’s difficult. You’ve just got to believe they’re ready. But it’s tough.”

Fort expects jitters in his first regular-season game but said he also learned from four preseason games in which he recorded 21 tackles. He learned he needs to calm down before he can focus and play well. And he learned he needs to listen to everything Jackson tells him to do, most of all.

“We have to have some of the best veterans in the league just from how they take care of us,” Fort said. “We’re all a unit and all trying to get better. We’re like a little tight family. We’re all trying to get better. Whenever we mess up or have questions or need help on something, they’re the first ones right there to help us out.”

Offensive line thin

While the Browns’ linebackers are suffering from a lack of experience, the offensive line is suffering from a lack of depth. Oniel Cousins (ankle) and BoardmanHigh graduate John Greco (calf) sat out practice again Thursday, leaving rookie Ryan Miller as the only healthy backup.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur acknowledged roster moves might be necessary before Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, though Cousins and Greco are likely game-day decisions.

“It’s no secret there are some guys who are nicked, but I don’t think that’s foreign to 30 teams out of the NFL,” offensive coordinator Brad Childress said. “You are never where you want to be from a depth chart standpoint, and you hate to think about what the disaster plan may be.”

Richardson update

Running back Trent Richardson was limited in practice Thursday — the Browns’ only day of practice in full pads and helmets — though he still hopes to play in Sunday’s game. Richardson returned to practice this week after undergoing knee surgery Aug. 9 to remove torn cartilage.