Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah can still start vs. Chiefs, Baker Mayfield to play about 2 series vs. #Falcons, and m – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was on a fast track to start at weak side linebacker in Kansas City when he had a freak weightlifting accident Tuesday that resulted in stitches in his forehead.

The minor accident cost him the entire practice week and Sunday night’s game in Atlanta because he can’t put a helmet on for fear of re-opening the gash. The rest of his body and his mind are willing and able, but the cut put another little crimp in his bid to win the starting job.

As it was, Owusu-Koramoah missed the first full five days of training camp while on COVID-19 reserve with no symptoms, and had to play catchup when he got back. But he exceeded expectations and stole the show in the preseason opener in Jacksonville, recording eight tackles — three for a loss — and a sack. He almost blocked a punt, and covered a receiver tightly from the slot.

The performance indicated that perhaps he might be ready to start Sept. 12 against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. Ahead of him on the depth chart are 2019 fifth-round pick Mack Wilson, an 11th-year pro Malcolm Smith, the former Super Bowl MVP. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods seems to favor experience — especially against the Super Bowl runner-up — but Owusu-Koramoah’s big playmaking ability might supersede that despite the setbacks.

The hybrid linebacker is so athletic that one rookie mistake will be followed by two dynamic plays. The team’s best blitzer, he has exceptional closing speed, instincts and too much crazy versatility not to start him against the Chiefs.

What’s more, the Browns were prepared to draft him in the first round, and first-round picks usually start right away. If he hadn’t missed nine training camp practices and the preseason finale, starting the opener would’ve been a no-brainer. If he can put the helmet on early this week, he’ll have enough time to prove to Woods and linebackers coach Jason Tarver that he’s ready to roll from the jump.

He’s also staying in great shape during this break, and up to speed mentally. If Woods feels more comfortable starting one of the other two, Owusu-Koramoah will come off the bench to provide a spark, and he’ll make it hard for them to take him out.

Here are some other Insider items as the Browns prepare to face the Falcons Sunday night:

Greg Newsome II has clinched the starting cornerback job opposite Denzel Ward

Newsome, the Browns No. 26 overall pick, clinched the starting cornerback job opposite Denzel Ward the moment Greedy Williams strained his groin last Sunday against the Giants.

Newsome was already slightly ahead of Williams, and now there’s no way Williams can catch him. Coming off the shoulder injury that cost him all of last season, Newsome has made great strides this camp and will play a large role early on. But he missed all of last week and will sit out Sunday night. He could be back by the opener, but it’s uncertain at this point.

It’s time for the Browns to settle in with Newsome and prepare him to face one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. He’ll follow in the footsteps of Ward, who also started right away as a rookie. Ward was ahead of Newsome at this point, but the Northwestern product is learning fast. He’s a quick study, takes coaching well, and constantly picks the brains of the veteran defensive backs. What he lacks in experience — he started only 20 games in college — he makes up for in intelligence, speed, and athletic ability.

The Ward-Newsome era begins Sept. 12.

Odell Beckham Jr. expected to rest in Atlanta

Beckham participated in a few 11-on-11s for the first time on Thursday, but probably won’t play in Atlanta. Not only has he not ramped up enough for live action, he’s on record as stating that he doesn’t want to play in any more preseason games in his career after suffering the serious ankle injury in Cleveland in 2017 as a member of the Giants. But Beckham looks amazing in the limited reps he’s had, and in one-on-one work with Baker Mayfield off to the side. He looks like he could start against the Chiefs tomorrow, but the Browns will continue to increase his workload incrementally. If he does play in Kansas City, which seems highly likely considering his progress, he’ll probably be on a pitch count or at least watched very closely.

Mayfield and Select Starters to Play about Two Series in Atlanta

Mayfield and select other starters will probably play only two series against the Falcons. The idea is to get some live action before the opener, and get them out safely. Kevin Stefanski will likely protect Mayfield with his starting offensive line — minus JC Tretter who’s been idle most of the week — and give him enough weapons to try to score touchdowns. Jarvis Landry has also been a little bit limited in camp just for veteran rest, so he could join Beckham on the sidelines. And after watching Ravens running J.K. Dobbins get carted off Saturday with a knee injury on the Ravens’ opening drive, the Browns would be crazy to play Nick Chubb in Atlanta. He practiced sparingly in camp, and could rest tonight.

On the defensive side, some of the top veterans will probably sit out, including Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, who have only recently returned to team drills after several week off. Garrett was nursing a hamstring, and Clowney was resting an undisclosed minor ailment. Both ran sprints on Friday off to the side, and looked perfectly fine.

Anthony Schwartz on track to be able to help early

The Browns would love to get their third-round receiver on the field in Kansas City and in other early games to utilize his 4.26 speed, and that’s looking increasingly likely now that he returned to team drills Thursday week from his hamstring injury. Schwartz had an excellent two days of practice to close out the week, including a Friday session in which he caught several touchdown passes. One was a battle for the ball that initially looked like an Emmanuel Rugamba break up, but Schwartz somehow emerged waving the ball. If he keeps up like this, the Browns will create a package of plays for him for the opener, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have to prepare for the speed. His hands have also improved considerably since the first day of rookie camp.

Takk McKinley off to a good start but will likely rest vs. the Falcons

McKinley had a good first week of practice after missing three weeks with a personal issue, and is in a good place. He stayed in shape during his absence, and looked explosive off the ball. In one agility drill that involves running in a figure eight and picking up tennis balls along the way, he earned kudos for his speed. McKinley provides a change of pace from Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, and will be disruptive as a situational rusher. At this point, he can still be the No. 3 end in K.C.

As for facing his former team Sunday night, he’s probably not ready. McKinley is still working his way up to team drills, and will need every bit of the next two weeks to prepare for Kansas City.

The Battle for DE No. 4

Behind McKinley, the battle for the No. 4 end spot is one of the fiercest in camp. It includes Porter Gustin, Curtis Weaver, Cameron Malveux and Joe Jackson. Jackson earned praise last week on the broadcast from Joe Thomas, who said Jackson is becoming one of his favorite players. The Falcons game could help determine which one of these players earns the job. The Browns still like Weaver, whom they claimed via waivers last summer from he Dolphins and placed on IR after season-ending foot surgery. But Weaver has plenty of competition for the role and must stand out Sunday night.

Malik McDowell standing out in a crowded defensive tackle room

The Browns also have some tough decisions to make at defensive tackle, but Malik McDowell is virtually a lock to make the 53. The 2017 second-round pick of the Seahawks who hasn’t played in the NFL because of legal and other troubles, has improved steadily throughout camp and is worth a longer look. Veteran linemen such as Malik Jackson have mentored him, and he’s made great progress. A man-mountain at 6-6, 295, he’s playing faster each day and the rust is coming off. McDowell is standing out in a room of intriguing but mostly inexperienced backups. Others are Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai, Sheldon Day and Marvin Wilson. With so much good competition in the room, Wilson will need a big Falcons game to make a strong case.

KhaDarel Hodge heads into the game on the bubble

Hodge is one of the more recognizable names on the Browns’ roster bubble heading into Sunday night’s game. The Browns might count sixth-round receiver/running back Demetric Felton as their sixth receiver, which would eliminate a spot for a player like Hodge, who’s competing with JoJo Natson and Ja’Marcus Bradley. If the Browns don’t keep him, they might try to trade him. He’s also under contract for $2.133 million this season, so they can save a little cap space if he doesn’t make the team.