The Browns, including owner Jimmy Haslam, are trying to make the best of the trip to London.
They’re giving up a home game, took a long overnight flight and packed up much of the Berea practice facility.
“I’ll be honest, if the commissioner was sitting here, I’d tell him, I would much rather play at home in Cleveland than travel all the way over to London,” Haslam said Thursday at a sports conference in London, per The Associated Press. “But, hey, we’re team players. We want to do everything we can to boost the league and so we’re going to do our share.”
The Browns’ only other overseas game was a 33-16 loss to the Vikings in England during the winless 2017 season. The rematch will be the NFL’s 40th international game, with a record seven set for this season. The Vikings are 4-0 in London and lost to the Steelers on Sunday in Dublin.
Goodell reiterated earlier at the conference the league plans to eventually hold 16 games internationally every season.
“It’s going to be a key part of our growth strategy,” Haslam said.
But it comes with aggravation.
“To move that much equipment, for that many people, that quickly, and then get it all back Sunday night because we have to start again on Monday — it’s a challenge,” he said. “But it’s also something you relish and something different.”
Veteran left guard Joel Bitonio, who’s been battling a back injury, said he slept a “little bit” on the plane Wednesday night into Thursday despite luxury accommodations.
“We were in first class in a lay-flat, but I don’t quite fit in those very well,” he told reporters in London. “So I was pretty much just in a recliner most of the time. But I woke up and I was pretty good. I did some mobility, I did some stretching. I moved around and so far, so good.
“Our singular goal is trying to win a game this week.”
Cornerback Denzel Ward was among the players who’d never been to London. He wasn’t looking forward to the flight.
“But I’m gonna embrace it,” he said Wednesday. “I’m gonna enjoy it. Looking forward to going over there and seeing London a little bit and being able to play a game in London, you know, not many people could do that.”
Safety Grant Delpit had a bit of fun with an English reporter who asked why fans who’d never seen American football should choose the Browns to support.
“It’s a fun team to follow,” he said. “Hopefully we make some friends.
“I know you guys don’t know a bunch about the Cleveland Browns, man. We’re going to do what we can do. Cleveland’s a great place. It’s a lot like Miami. You ever heard of Miami? It’s like Miami. So maybe y’all will come visit. Hey, we’ll welcome y’all with open arms.”
NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Delpit admitted Sunday he gave up on Detroit’s punt return for a touchdown Sunday because he thought the kick went out of bounds.
“Honestly, as a coach, it’s disappointing to see that effort on the play,” special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said. “Grant clearly felt like the ball went out of bounds. He stopped really early in the play, you could hear the crowd kind of like uproar.
“The ball was hit very close to the sideline, no excuse at all to stop on the play, though. We got to finish that, and he understands that.”
Special teams have had breakdowns throughout the first four games, including getting a punt blocked. Delpit had the solution.
“We’ve just got to get behind our coach, man,” Delpit said. “Bubba’s a great coach and he’s doing what he needs to do to put us in position. As players, we just can’t take those plays off. We’ve got to realize that those are game-changing plays that we’re leaving on the table, so we’re going to get it fixed.”
INJURY REPORT
The Browns didn’t practice, holding only a walkthrough after the long flight. So the practice participation report was estimated.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (ankle) was listed as limited after not practicing Wednesday in Berea. Cornerback Greg Newsome II (hamstring) was added to the report as limited, and right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) remained limited.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (knee) didn’t make the trip and was ruled out.
** For the Vikings, quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) didn’t practice and won’t play. Left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), centers Ryan Kelly (concussion) and Michael Jurgens (hamstring), outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) and tight end Ben Yurosek (knee) didn’t practice for the second straight day. Outside linebacker Dallas Turner (illness) also was added to the list and didn’t practice.
STADIUM UPDATE
The Browns announced AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company will be the construction managers of the planned enclosed stadium in Brook Park. Bulldozers began to move dirt, and the stadium is slated to open for the 2029 season.
“The average ticket will be over $200 plus food and beverage, so we want (fans) when (they come) to a game to have a great time and say, ‘You know, that was a lot but it was worth it, and I want to do it again,’” Jimmy Haslam said.
He also said they will bid to host games for the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
EXTRA POINTS
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees provided a bit of insight into why Joe Flacco will be the No. 2 quarterback ahead of rookie Shedeur Sanders. Flacco was benched this week in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel.
“I just feel like Joe’s going to stay the No. 2 right now, and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch,” Rees said.
** With veteran returner DeAndre Carter (knee) being put on injured reserve this week, Ventrone is sorting through the options. He said rookie Isaiah Bond is “definitely” a possibility to return punts, and mentioned him, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson as among the choices to return kickoffs.
“We’ll have a real practice tomorrow and we’ll work through that,” Ventrone said.
** Linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and tackle Dick Schafrath, a pair of Browns greats, made the cut to 52 in the Seniors category selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
link