Taylor, Davis back in action for Browns

By Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Plain Dealer

BEREA

Defensive tackle Phil Taylor (calf strain) and tight end Kellen Davis (knee strain) returned to Browns practice today, but on a limited basis.

Taylor participated only in individual drills and was held out of team sessions. Davis was also held out of 11-on-11s. John Hughes continues to replace Taylor at nose tackle until he’s ready for full action.

COUSINS OUT

Offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, who rolled his ankle on Friday, will miss a couple of weeks with a sprain, coach Rob Chudzinski said.

SMELLEY FILLS IN

Fullback Brock Bolen sat out with a strained calf. Brad Smelley, who’s been primarily working at tight end, got in some work at fullback.

TAKE IT INSIDE

Practice was moved indoors and closed to the public because of the rain. It was supposed to be the first day in full pads, but the team practiced only in shoulder pads. The first full-pad practice is now set for Sunday.

MCFADDEN MAKES A PLAY

Cornerback Leon McFadden, working with the second team behind Chris Owens and Buster Skrine, had a nice breakup of a Brian Hoyer pass to Josh Gordon. Owens and Skrine are alternating first-team reps opposite Joe Haden.

JOE AND JIM

Joe Haden tweeted this today:

Jim brown pulled me 2 the side at practice and told me keep the great work! He’s watching! #blessed! #GOAT

LEWIS LOOKS FAST

Running back Dion Lewis looked lightning quick on a couple of screens, and should provide a great change-of-pace.

MINGO BREAKS IT UP

Linebacker Barkevious Mingo almost picked off a Hoyer pass 20 yards downfield.

CHUD PULLS PINKSTON

Chudzinski yanked guard Jason Pinkston out of the lineup after a false start, which was a point of emphasis at that point in the practice.