Browns News & Notes for 7/25

May 16, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) runs with the ball during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

– Jimmy Haslam was at practice and addressed the media briefly before practice got started.  Other than continuing to say the right things in reference to assuring the fans about the fact he is not going to lose the Browns and there is no issue with finances, he did say something worth noting.  Haslam apologized to the fans for everything going on and the embarrassment this has caused.  That does not make any of this go away any faster, but he did apologize, which is a nice gesture on his part.

Hidden in the spiel about his belief he will be here for the long haul and this is a process seemed to be some lowering of expectations.  Assuming he is right and he can get beyond this whole issue, he does want to make this team a perennial contender and win a championship; he has shown a pattern of understanding that it is not going to happen this year.  The attitude that he seems to have both with the trial and the team is one of quiet optimism.  The team appears to be going in the right direction, but it is not there yet.  If a few things fall the right way, they could be a surprise team in December, but the reality is they need a few more players before they are ready to go for a Super Bowl.

– Jim Brown was also in attendance and according to Coach Chudzinski spoke to the team before practice.  Chud made sure to note that he is the “greatest of all time”.  And with Chud, he was energetic and tried to get the fans involved before practice as well as high-fiving them after practice.  This is obviously different from Pat Shurmur last year; not that it has anything to do with their ability to coach, but is merely a style choice and demeanor.

– Everyone in the media has made mention of the fact that money has been put into making the training camp experience better for fans in addition to being a little more fan friendly in terms of when they are holding them.  Both players and media members are noting that Haslam has been working to improve everything he can for the players and the fans.

– Phil Taylor did not practice with a calf strain, but nothing major.  John Hughes took the first team reps at nose tackle.  Tight end Kellen Davis was also not practicing today with a slight knee strain.  Both Taylor and Davis are day to day.

– Brandon Weeden got the first team reps while Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer split second team reps.  This should be expected throughout camp.  It will only be notable if something changes.

– Multiple reporters noted that Trent Richardson looked 100%.  Richardson showed deference to Jim Brown as he always does.  He also said he is playing at 225lbs and feels quicker than last year.  Not surprising since he was playing on a surgically repaired knee and when that was healthy, he broke his ribs.  Richardson was extremely confident after practice.  “You’re going to see me elevate my game.”  He trusts his shin and says he is ready to go.

– For the first team reps in this practice, John Greco was at left guard and Shawn Lauvao was at right guard.  It would not be even a slight surprise if Greco was at right guard and Jason Pinkston was at left guard tomorrow with the first team.

– Paul Kruger was in at left outside linebacker with Jabaal Sheard at the right outside linebacker with the first team which was not a surprise.  Barkevious Mingo is going to have to scratch and claw for the starting job.

– Josh Gordon went down awkwardly on his left leg going for a pass down the field, got up under his own power with some slight discomfort, and was working on his leg the rest of practice.  Chud called it a cramp and nothing serious, but they will check to make sure nothing more.