There will be a noticeable absence from the broadcast booth for Cleveland Browns pre-season games, according to those with knowledge of the situation.

Hall of fame tackle Joe Thomas will not be back in the country in time to assume color commentary duties he's held the past two seasons.

According to sources, however, other familiar faces will provide coverage of Cleveland Browns preseason football for the upcoming schedule.

Cleveland native Chris Rose will return to provide call the game action with color provided by Nathan Zegura.

CBS sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala will serve as sideline reporter. Additionally, she will appear with WEWS sports anchor Jon Doss in a pregame edition of “Browns Countdown.”

Where is Joe Thomas this year?

Coaching duties will prevent Thomas from returning to the booth this season.  Last winter, Thomas accepted a position with the Munich Ravens to coach their offensive line in the European League of Football. The 17-team league, which is currently nearing the end of its season, plays a 14-game schedule with the regular season ending Aug. 24^, just before the Browns final preseason game.

It’s possible that the Ravens will be playing beyond that as they currently are clinging to a playoff spot – one of six – with a 5-3 record after a recent 69-30 win over the Milano Seamen.

Cleveland Browns 2024 preseason schedule

• 4:25 p.m., Sat., Aug. 10 vs. Green Bay Packers

  • TV: WEWS (Channel 5)

  • Radio: ESPN 850 AM, 92.3 FM The Fan, 98.5 WNCX.

• 4:25 p.m., Sat., Aug. 17 vs. Minnesota Vikings

  • TV: WEWS (Channel 5); Radio:

  • Radio: ESPN 850 AM, 92.3 FM The Fan, 98.5 WNCX.

• 10 p.m., Sat., Aug. 24, at Seattle Seahawks

  • TV: WEWS (Channel 5)

  • Radio: ESPN 850 AM, 92.3 FM The Fan, 98.5 WNCX.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hall of Famer Joe Thomas exits Browns preseason TV announcing team