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Cleveland Browns training camp day 2 updates: Amari Cooper day-to-day with 'minor tweak'

WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The process of getting through a training camp is an arduous one. Getting through a camp that's starting, as Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, "in the middle of nowhere" can turn arduous into torturous.

Welcome to day two of Browns training camp at The Greenbrier.

The Browns arrived in their temporary West Virginia home on Saturday. What followed was essentially a one-hour walkthrough as much to give the players a chance to get the blood flowing after the trip down as it was to get started on preparations for the season.

Members of the Cleveland Browns arrive at their team's NFL football training camp facility Saturday, July 22, 2023, in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Members of the Cleveland Browns arrive at their team's NFL football training camp facility Saturday, July 22, 2023, in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The first day the Browns can even put on full equipment is Friday, according to league guidelines. So Sunday's workout, which starts at 10:45 a.m., was a continuation of the steady ramp-up in which they ever-so-slightly elevate the workload while still staying well short of any full-contact drills.

Follow along here throughout the day for updates and news emanating from the Browns' second training camp practice.

Andrew Berry says Amari Cooper 'tweaked' something at end of practice

Amari Cooper was a full and active participant for the better part of the first two days of training camp. However, near the end of Sunday's practice, he walked off the field and into the training room.

General manager Andrew Berry, who spoke about an hour after practice concluded, said the issue was a minor one not tied to the core muscle injury sustained last year. Cooper underwent surgery in February for that issue, which prevented him from being a full participant in the offseason program.

"Amari, minor tweak," Berry said. "Will be a day-to-day thing. We're not concerned."

Berry wouldn't go into any more details.

Perrion Winfrey situation 'disappointing,' but Andrew Berry won't divulge defensive tackle plan

The Browns' decision to part ways with Perrion Winfrey created an open spot among the defensive linemen. Specifically, it left a vacancy at the defensive tackle spot, a place they are still a touch thin.

"I think one of the big parts for, or one of the big things that we do early the training camp, is really just assess the roster," general manager Andrew Berry said Sunday. "We haven't seen a lot of our players in pads and a new defensive system. We do like a number of the individuals that we have in that room currently. Obviously it's unfortunate we're moving on from Perrion after a year, but he, like a number of players on our roster, were really competing for competing for a role, competing for a roster spot."

On possibility for one of those inside spots is newly-acquired defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Smith was picked up in a trade on May 12 from the Minnesota Vikings.

Berry pointed to Smith versatility up front, especially his ability to move inside. That may help to alleviate some of the need to bring in another player.

Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki involved in individual drills

The fact linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki were not put on the physically unable to perform list does not mean they're going to jump right into full-contact drills early in training camp. Walker is still recovering from a torn quad tendon last September, while Takitaki is coming back from a torn ACL in early December.

Both Walker and Takitaki participated in individual drills for the first time this year on Sunday. They had been spectators for the duration of the offseason program, including OTAs and minicamp.

"They're both different and they're both coming off different injuries," Stefanski said prior to practice. "So, per doctors and per trainers recommendations, we'll bring them both along in a little bit different way, but for now they'll be off this side getting some work and then in these walkthroughs and those type of things are great for them to get some live quote-unquote reps. But we'll see how it goes and that's the nice part of having a little bit longer training camp, it give them some time to get ready for good."

Dawand Jones not on the field for Cleveland Browns' second practice

The only noticeable absence for the Browns from Sunday's practice was rookie offensive tackle Dawand Jones. The fourth-round pick out of Ohio State was sidelined due to illness.

Linebacker Tony Fields II, who was not at Saturday's first practice due to a personal matter, was back on the field.

Mike Ford Jr. changes jersey number

The jersey number changes continue for the Browns. Cornerback Mike Ford Jr., who was No. 26 on Saturday, is now No 28 after changing his number.

The number came free when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah changed his number from No. 28 to No. 6.

Nick Chubb's squatting prowess continues to amaze Kevin Stefanski

Anthony year, another video of Browns running back Nick Chubb squatting amazing amounts of weight appearing on social media. This time, it was a video coming out early last week of him again squatting around 600 pounds.

A year ago, a video showed Chubb squatting 675 pounds. Stefanski was again asked his thoughts about the impressive amount of weight his All-Pro back is lifting.

"I'm thinking that dude's strong," Stefanski said. "I'm thinking, I hope he's safe. I hope the spotters are safe. But Nick works his butt off. He's down there at his high school. He's got an amazing relationship at his high school and his hometown, and I think about how lucky those young kids are to be around a guy like Nick and see it done at such a high level."

Andrew Berry, Nick Chubb, Deshaun Watson scheduled to speak

Day two of training camp means a new batch of individuals for the media to speak with besides Stefanski. Sunday's group includes general manager Andrew Berry, running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Berry and Chubb speaking comes at a time when the subject of what running backs are worth on the open market is the topic du jour. It's playing out with Dalvin Cook's free agency, as well as the franchise tags placed on the New York Giants' Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders' Josh Jacobs.

Watson, meanwhile, is perpetually a topic of importance for the Browns. As has been stated repeatedly, his level of play will go a long way toward determining the team's success this season.

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Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns training camp day 2 updates: Amari Cooper sustains minor tweak