The Cincinnati Bengals are in search of a replacement for Andrew Hawkins who is now with the Browns.

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns don't face the Cincinnati Bengals until November but that didn't stop the Browns from making the first strike against their AFC North foe.

The Browns plucked elusive slot receiver Andrew Hawkins off the Bengals' roster during free agency. Hawkins played in only eight games last season due to injury, but a healthy Hawkins, who caught 51 balls in 2012, is extremely difficult to grasp.

Hawkins is a major move for the Browns, but his departure from that team down South did not exactly leave the Bengals offense void. It simply created a chance for former Ohio State wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and second-year player Mohamed Sanu.

Sanzenbacher is the prototypical slot receiver with his inside quickness and hands. At 5-11, he's bigger than the smaller Hawkins, but not nearly as dynamic. Sanu is huge for a slot receiver at 6-2 and 210 pounds. He's built more like a receiver lined up wide but Sanu is baffling enough to defenders to make it work.

Not only do the Bengals have to find Hawkins' replacement, but new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson must certainly make adjustments.

Right?

"Not really," Jackson said. "We'll just take the things that the guys have done really well a year ago and we'll just add to it."

Sanzenbacher hopes to become an addition Jackson can utilize in the scheme. He's the favorite to replace Hawkins, not only because of his experience but because the Bengals tendered him for $1.4 million back in the spring. And Jackson likes what he has seen out of Sanzenbacher so far this summer.

"I like him," Jackson said. "He's done some good things. He's had a good camp thus far. Dane has good quickness, toughness, he's fearless and he catches the ball. That's what you need out of that position."

The open slot position gives Sanzenbacher his best opportunity to load up on playing time since he joined the NFL. He had 27 catches in 2011 with the Chicago Bears, one catch the following season and six catches with the Bengals last year.

Sanzenbacher likes his chances.

"It always helps that I have another year with these guys," Sanzenbacher said. "Every year you learn a little bit more. But I'm not just looking to hang on at the end of the roster. I want to be on the field. I want to play. I want to make more of an impact, whatever that might be."

This was Justin Masterson, the guy who brought a chicken to the ballpark, the guy who starred at charity bowling events, the guy who -- though he, deep down, felt that burning desire to be the best -- never veered from his laid-back approach during trying times. And there were plenty.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There was the one postgame session in which Justin Masterson jokingly attributed his poor outing to his decision to shave.

There was another instance in which Masterson redirected the topic of conversation from his rough start to his wife's cookie business.

This was Justin Masterson, the guy who brought a chicken to the ballpark, the guy who starred at charity bowling events, the guy who -- though he, deep down, felt that burning desire to be the best -- never veered from his laid-back approach during trying times. And there were plenty.

He flashed his carefree attitude one final time during his exit interview with reporters on Wednesday, yet another unnecessary, classy gesture by the right-hander, who was traded by the Indians to the Cardinals.

"You appreciate what life brings you and you try to enjoy it the best you can," Masterson said, "because if you get too troubled with it, then you're not going to be able to enjoy what's going on and life was meant to be enjoyed."

Masterson could have soured. He never pieced together consecutive quality seasons in Cleveland. After every ace-like showing came a dud. He followed up an All-Star campaign in 2013 with a miserable '14, one in which he posted a 5.51 ERA in 19 starts for the Tribe.

That triggered Masterson to admit that the Indians probably "dodged a bullet" when the two sides failed to come to terms on a lucrative contract extension in the spring. Masterson probably cost himself millions with his post-negotiations performance. Now, he'll head to St. Louis, knowing that he could change zip codes yet again in two months. His future remains as uncertain as his output on the mound.

No sweat.

"You can't worry about too much of your future," Masterson said. "We're not even promised tomorrow."

After all, Masterson had no way of envisioning he'd end up in this position in the first place.

Five years ago, Masterson left the only organization he had ever known. The scene at Camden Yards in Baltimore was an emotional one, as Masterson and Red Sox manager Terry Francona embraced once Boston completed a deal to send the youngster to Cleveland in a package for Victor Martinez.

The two hugged again on Wednesday. This interaction meant a little more.

"The hug was maybe a little longer than normal," Francona said. "We may part teams, but my admiration for him isn't parting."

One day before the five-year anniversary of his relocation to Cleveland, Masterson was on the move again. This time, Masterson exits after a decorated, yet somewhat unfulfilling stint in a Tribe uniform.

"Tito keeps trading me away," Masterson said, laughing. "I don't know what's up with that."

In the early going, he bounced between roles as a starter and reliever. He finally emerged as the anchor of the pitching staff in 2011, when he logged a 3.21 ERA and totaled a career-high 216 innings. But a lack of run support and a second-half fade often overshadowed his exploits. He scuffled in 2012, as he posted an 11-15 record and 4.93 ERA in 34 starts, while the Tribe suffered through a 5-24 August en route to a 94-loss season.

The Indians handed Manny Acta a pink slip and Masterson was reunited with his old skipper, Francona. Masterson reversed course last year, as he amassed a 14-10 mark and 3.45 ERA and helped guide the Tribe to a berth in the Wild Card Game. The inconsistency reared its head again this season, though. Masterson experienced a sharp decline in velocity, one the Indians have been unable to explain. He struggled to command his wayward-traveling pitches. A litany of truncated, ineffective outings followed.

Masterson termed his departure as "bittersweet," a label representative of his time in Cleveland, given his propensity to perform at the two ends of the spectrum. When Masterson was good, he was an ace, heaving a bevy of heavy sinkers toward overmatched hitters. When Masterson was bad, he was often pegged as the central deterrent to the Tribe's lofty goals.

That was the case in the end, which ultimately led to his exodus. And, despite his typically jovial disposition, he wasn't immune to the dissatisfaction.

"That's the frustrating part in general of this season, is not being able to be where I want to be, where I should be, where everyone would like me to be," Masterson said. "It probably frustrates me more than any singular person in this world, as a competitor, a man. It's made it difficult."

Francona and Masterson reminisced on Wednesday about the setting in Baltimore five years ago, the previous time Masterson was dealt. They reflected upon the conversations Francona and then-Boston GM Theo Epstein had with then-Indians GM Mark Shapiro.

More than anything, they realized that this farewell was a bit easier. Masterson established himself during his five years in Cleveland. He grew up. It all came full circle.

"I'm forever grateful for all that they've given me the chance to do within my career," Masterson said. ... "It's one of those where you appreciate what life brings you."

Vote for your favorite jersey from Day 5 of the NEOMG's football media sessions.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Wednesday, the fifth session of the NEOMG’s 2014 football Media Days concluded with a new group of teams visiting Cleveland. But after their visit, we wanted to ask our readers which jersey was their favorite of the day?

Make sure to vote in the poll below by Friday morning to make sure your vote is counted and feel free to leave your response in the comments section. To register for an account click here.

On Friday we will let readers decide which jersey is the fan favorite based on winning jerseys from each of the five days.

Contact high school sports reporter Nathaniel Cline by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@nathanielcline). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

With only four events left in a tight IndyCar championship race, the leaders can't fall behind and the challengers can't let up this weekend at Mid-Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This weekend's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio is the 15th of 18 IndyCar races this season and spotlights a tight points race between teammates Will Power and Helio Castroneves, who are separated by just 13 points. But they are not the only drivers and only stories to watch this weekend in Lexington, Ohio. Here is a snapshot of the race weekend ahead.

What: Honda Indy 200.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio.

Defending winner: Charlie Kimble.

Event: 95 laps of open wheel racing around a 13-turn, 2.258-mile race course.

At stake: IndyCar series championship. With four races remaining, Helio Castroneves has a 13-point lead over teammate Will Power. Ryan Hunter-Reay is third, 69 points behind.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Qualifying: While the new IndyCar machines are more nimble around the Mid-Ohio circuit, qualifying high in the field is still gives the best chance to win as passing areas on race day are limited.

2. Ryan Hunter-Reay: Currently third in the championship race, 69 points behind leader Helio Castroneves, this sitting Indianapolis 500 winner and former series champion could really make the final three events a shootout with a Mid-Ohio victory.

3. Listen for news: If you are walking in the paddock or the pits, listen up. This is the time of year when some drivers and teams start looking to see if the grass could be greener somewhere else.

4. Sebastian Bourdais: Familiar race name from his Champ Car days and victories in Cleveland, he picked up his first race win since joining the IndyCar Series last weekend in Toronto. Is he about the make his presence felt on a consistent basis?

5. Charlie Kimble: Not the most familiar name on the circuit, but still well respected. A second straight Mid-Ohio win would add a lot to his resume.

THREE DRIVERS TO WATCH

Will Power: If No. 2 tries harder, then Power has to put Castroneves in his mirrors this weekend, or at the very least have his teammate in sight at the finish to keep the pressure on for a championship run.

Ryan Hunter-Reay: Mid-Ohio will likely determine if RHR is in or out of the title chase. He must make up ground now, or he'll be too far back in points with too few races left to make up the difference. He has to drive this race hard and fast to have a shot at the title.

Graham Rahal - Not the best of seasons for the Columbus, Ohio native, who could use a strong showing here to add some sizzle to his still young career.

Josh Gordon's "second-hand smoke'' argument might hold more weight than others who have lost their appeals on those grounds, a source told cleveland.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Gordon's legal advisors feel their "second-hand smoke'' argument is stronger than other NFL players who have lost their appeals on that basis, a source told cleveland.com.

That's because as far as they can tell, Gordon is the only player citing second-hand smoke who had a confirmation test below the NFL's threshold of 15 nanograms per milliliter of the banned substance in marijuana.

NFL records on such matters are sealed, but the source said there's no evidence that any of the other players had a "B'' test -- the one used to confirm the positive "A'' sample -- below the threshold.

Gordon's team might have a much stronger case than anyone else who's blamed second-hand smoke, but it's still a longshot to get Gordon off the hook from his indefinite ban on Friday during his appeal hearing in New York, a league source with firsthand knowledge of such matters told cleveland.com.

If NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has appointed Harold Henderson to hear the case, "you would have a better chance of convincing your teacher your dog ate your homework,'' the source said.

There is recent precedence for a player getting shot down on the "second-hand smoke'' defense.

Former Giants and current Ravens defensive back Will Hill lost his appeal of a six-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy on May 30 after blaming his positive test on second-hand smoke. The results of Hill's test were not make public.

"He felt like he had a great chance of beating it because of the circumstances," former Giants teammate and friend Deon Grant told told Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com. "He said, 'I'll be honest with you. If it was something that I did, I would tell you I messed up. But I didn't. It was an incident in a club where people were [smoking marijuana] and it got in my system.

"It's not like how my urine was a certain kind of way before when I did do it. It's the total opposite right now. They found something in my urine, but it's not the same thing they found when I did make that mistake.''

The Giants immediately cut Hill, who had also been suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy, and he was signed by the Ravens last week. (Hill's suspension under the substance-abuse policy was six games because it was his second positive test in the substance abuse program).

But Gordon's legal team is confident that Gordon's case is different than the other players who tried second-hand smoke and lost, despite the fact no one is believed to have won an appeal on that basis.

A source close to Gordon told cleveland.com that "Josh Gordon didn't smoke marijuana and was exposed to second-hand smoke on the day of his test'' and has tested negative 70 times since he's been in the NFL.

The arbitrator is chosen by Goodell, and the NFLPA does not have a say in the matter.

Gordon has hired high-powered attorney Maurice Suh, who helped Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman win his appeal of his four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Sherman won on the grounds that the collection cup was leaky and subsequent efforts to collect the urine sample were faulty.

Suh and NFLPA attorney Heather McPhee will argue Friday that Gordon "did not smoke marijuana and that he was exposed to second-hand smoke on the day of his test," a source told cleveland.com. The source said the attorneys will also call into question the "inconsistent results'' of Gordon's positive test.

Gordon's sample ''A'' measured 16 nanograms per milliliter, a mere one nanogram above the NFL's threshold of 15 ng/ml. Sample B, the control sample,  measured 13.63 ng/ml, below the threshold but still enough to make "A'' valid. In addition to the "second-hand smoke'' defense, the lawyers will state that the discrepancy between the two tests -- despite the fact they're from the same urine specimen -- deems the results invalid.

The arbitrator can reduce Gordon's indefinite ban if he so chooses. If Gordon loses the appeal, he'll have to wait a year to apply for reinstatement and won't be permitted around the team.

Get the latest from camp with Mary Kay Cabot.

BEREA, Ohio -- Join Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe live at 3 p.m. to get the latest on Browns training camp. They'll talk about everything that happened this morning and update you on the latest camp battles.

Ask your questions in the comments below and we'll get to them during the show. You can also catch an archive of the show after it's over.

Click play on the player below to start the audio.

Has the Indians' approach at the trade deadline changed the perception of the team? Do the Browns have enough even if Josh Gordon gets suspended? Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Has the Indians' approach at the trade deadline changed the perception of the team? Do the Browns have enough even if Josh Gordon gets suspended?

The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• Did the Indians get enough value for Justin Masterson?

• Does Jim Thome deserve a statue?

• Are the struggles of Johnny Manziel concerning?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow DMan on Twitter.

Check out Hudson football's first practice of 2014 including video and photos.

HUDSON, Ohio -- Hudson football coach Ron Wright kissed his wife, Pam, goodbye Friday morning and she responded by saying "I'll see you in December."

Wright said if Pam's words ring true, it is the surest sign the Hudson football program has succeeded in moving from "good" to "great." 

"I told (Pam) if we're going all the way to December, we're going some place good," Wright said.

As double sessions opened across the state for players and coaches in all seven divisions, the excitement continues to build around a veteran Hudson squad that advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year.

See updates from opening day of football training camps across Northeast Ohio.

The Explorers' roster has few holes and carries plenty of expectations. 

"We need to continue getting better every day, every practice," Wright said. "We're laying the foundation today, and once things click, these kids could really take off."

Following Friday's early session, senior wide receiver Colton Whited said the Explorers are getting up to speed with every rep.

"Coach (offensive coordinator Shawn) Surdy was stressing that we need to push the pace and catch the defense off guard," Whited said. "Everybody's moving in step together."

Senior quarterback Mitch Guadagni was a bit more sentimental.

"Waking up this morning, you realize it's our last first two-a-day," Guadagni said. "You kinda want to cherish every moment."

Following practice, Surdy singled out running back Jack Palumbo and tight end Kyle Ator for their efforts.

Surdy pointed out Palumbo's heart and dedication after recovering from back and knee injuries to be on the field for Day 1. He also recognized Ator's unselfishness for staying with the program and making the most of his opportunities.

Wright acknowledged senior Matt Baker, who spent part of the first practice teaching a technique to a group of underclassmen.

"After a few years of doing this, you've got it down," Wright said to Baker.

Wright also said he was impressed with senior linemen Matt Hutchinson and Dylan Carlson, who ran some drills and showed younger players what they should be doing. 

"We're hoping our young guys get a feel for things that they've heard before," Wright said. "By the end of next week, we should be in the groove."

Gipson left the field with an apparent left knee injury. He started 15 games last season.

BEREA, Ohio – The Browns lost starting free safety Tashaun Gipson midway through practice Friday to an apparent left knee injury.

Coach Mike Pettine said the medical staff was evaluating the severity of it. His availability for Saturday's Family Day Scrimmage is unknown.

Gipson started 15 games last season – his second as a pro – and finished fifth in the NFL with five interceptions.

Pettine was asked about Gipson on Thursday.

"He and Donte (Whitner), I think, are very complementary to each other," he said. "They communicate well. He's been playing a lot more of the free and Donte the strong. We're going to try to get that flipped a little bit and get him a little bit lower and get Donte with some of the deep responsibilities. He's done a really good job right from Day 1, I think, learning the system and taking the classroom onto the field."

If Gipson were to miss time the Browns might turn to reserve Jordan Poyer or new-arrival Jim Leonhard.

Quarterback competition

Neither Brian Hoyer nor Johnny Manziel stood out on Day 6. Hoyer finished 7-of-13 in the 11-on-11 period, but several completions were on check downs. Manziel completed 3-of-11 passes and was picked off by safety Josh Aubrey.

Rules are rules

Manziel capped a touchdown run by playfully tossing the ball between the goalposts. The gesture earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Thanks to dunking tight end Jimmy Graham, the goalposts have been made off limits this season.

"I need to do a better job of explaining (the rule) to them," Pettine said. "The goalpost is now considered a prop. I think the obvious thing is you just can't spike it anymore ... but even now, whether it's a finger roll, a fadeaway jumper, or anything it's still considered you're using it as a prop and it will be flagged. I'd rather learn the lesson in practice and use it as a coaching moment."

Quotebook

Pettine on outside linebacker Paul Kruger last season: "There were just times he played well. He had some plays I'm sure he'd rather take back. I don't know the scheme. I don't know the calls. I'm not exactly sure what his responsibility was. It's hard for us to evaluate, but we're thrilled to have him here and have him on the roster. He's a guy we think can be one of the elite edge linebackers in this league and can set the edge in the run game."

Emphatic celebrations

Anthony Armstrong caught a pass in the end zone and hurled the ball into the VIP grandstand. Willie Snead capped another score with a big spike.

What had the receiver so worked up in a training camp practice?

"I think they were a little frustrated over time with the defensive backs who had been very physical with them and had won a lot of battles and I think that just spilled over, that anytime they got a chance to get in the end zone, that they wanted to make sure everybody knew it," Pettine said.

Nice catch

At the end of each practice Pettine awards the orange jerseys to the units that won the day. Friday, the outcome literally was placed in the assistants' hands.

Four assistants on either side of the ball took turns fielding punts from Spencer Lanning. The coaches snagged seven of the eight balls with the offense emerging victorious. The highlight was offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's celebratory dance.  

"Yeah, it was interesting," Shanahan said. "It's a combination Michael Jackson. He spun around and spiked it."

Sidelined

Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor, receiver Chandler Jones, linebacker Darius Eubanks, offensive lineman Martin Wallace were idle today. Offensive tackle Joe Thomas also was given another day off.

Changing of guard

Incumbent John Greco and Garrett Gilkey rotated at right guard Friday. It marked Greco's second day from an undisclosed injury. Offensive line coach Andy Moeller said Gilkey, a second-year lineman, has made great strides. Greco is likely to win the job, however.

What's coming up

The annual Family Day scrimmage is Saturday at 11:30 at the University of Akron's InfoCision Stadium. The tickets have all been distributed.

Here's what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavs and Tribe after another busy week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The news doesn't stop in sports, especially in the city of Cleveland.

In the last week, the speculation about the Cavaliers trading for Kevin Love ramped up, Browns' Josh Gordon hired a high-powered lawyer to help him shorten his looming one-year ban and the Indians made a pair of trades prior to the deadline.

Here is what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavs and Tribe after another busy week.

Cleveland Indians

TD Dery over at Waiting For Next Year writes a farewell letter to Justin Masterson, putting his career in perspective.

Sadly, Masterson pitched himself out of millions and millions of dollars and with the Indians most likely unwilling to offer him the expected $15 million qualifying offer for 2015, they had little choice but to deal him. Had he pitched like an All-Star for a second consecutive year, the team would have lost him to free agency anyways, given him the QO that he would have turned down, and collected a first-round pick. So the trade for 24-year-old outfielder James Ramsey, a former first-round pick himself in 2012, is essentially just that, although they get a player farther along in his development.

I will always choose to remember Masterson more for those games that his frisbee slider danced away from right-handed hitters, frustrating opponents rather than as the guy who left-handers teed off on and had an off-year, on-year tenure in Cleveland. Heading into this season many who follow the team, myself included, would often get frustrated by Justin's bouts of inconsistency. The issue was usually not him, but rather our view of him. Masterson was NEVER a No. 1 starter or a "ace." At his best he was a solid No. 2 or No. 3 guy. But here in Cleveland for the past three seasons, we always expected him to be something he wasn't.

Cleveland Browns

View full sizeCleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell is competing for a spot on the roster after being undrafted.Mark Duncan, Associated Press 

Jared Mueller of Dawg Pound Daily writes about Isaiah Crowell and his chances of making the Browns' roster.

A lock is a strong statement yet if you watch some of his tape from college, not just highlight films, you see a player who could dominate on the next level. The Zone Blocking Scheme brought in by Kyle Shanahan should also benefit Crowell's style and quick feet. His burst after a cut will be a huge benefit.

With Tate's injury history, and short contract, it is possible that the Browns have their backfield of the (near) future in West and Crowell. Besides injuries, Crowell has to show that he can maintain himself off the field. Gordon's example could help him understand the severity of consequences yet for many that is not enough. Crowell has to have affirmative goals he is seeking to achieve. Competition with Tate and West will be a great test for him. 

Indians

Craig Gifford from Did The Tribe Win Last Night believes that despite the trade deadline passing without the Indians adding anything to the major league roster, the team is not out of the postseason race.

While it is disappointing to see former all stars go away, it is not the end of the season by a long shot. The core for the Tribe is still here.

Add to that the fact that schedule is about to get a lot easier. The Texas Rangers bring baseball's worst record to Progressive Field this weekend. Next week the Indians see the regressing Reds for four games, followed by a Yankees team that bought at the trade deadline, but is still not the power team it once was.

The departures of Masterson and Cabrera do not spell the end for the Tribe's season. The Indians still have the bulk of a playoff contender in tact with a soft schedule coming up over the next couple weeks. The postseason is still in reach and eyes should be on that fact more than an angry eye being on a franchise that made seemingly positive moves in the last 48 hours.

Woods recorded a 1-over 71 on Friday at Firestone Country Club, for a two-day total of 1-under.

AKRON, Ohio – By Tiger Woods' own estimation, he did, in fact, do something right Friday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

"I didn't hit the ball well, I didn't putt well, I didn't do anything well," Woods said after his 1-over 71 at Firestone Country Club. "The only thing I did well out there is I fought hard. Grinded hard and unfortunately it wasn't very good today." 

One day after a typical Woods outing of 2-under at Firestone, Woods struggled with what typically is one of his best courses (he's won the Bridgestone eight times). He had four bogeys (on Nos. 2, 9, 11 and 13) and only three birdies (3, 5 and 10). He had trouble finding the fairway with his drives – only 4 of 14 – and when he missed, he missed badly. 

"If I would have just putted like I did yesterday, which was normal, that's a 2-, 3-under par round," Woods said. "But I missed a bunch of putts under 15 feet. They weren't even close. That's the problem. It's not like you had to go and look. They just weren't very good." 

The silver lining? Woods believes he's still in the hunt for the tournament title in his third tournament since back surgery. Woods had microdiscectomy surgery on his back March 31, and returned to golf three months later. 

"I'm only seven back," Woods said. "That's plenty doable on this golf course on the weekend. With the weather coming in tomorrow, I don't know what we're going to do, but I'll be ready." 

Woods admitted that he's had to remind himself that he still is recuperating from back surgery when his expectations get too high.

"This is supposed to be my second tournament back, not my third," Woods said. "Everything's going pretty good. I've gotten a little bit better, and the good news is I'm still getting stronger. I've still got a long way to go as far as my strength and explosiveness, compared to what I'm used to. But all that's coming around."

Third round moved up one hour and groups expanded to threesomes Saturday at WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

AKRON, Ohio – Saturday's third round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational has been moved up one hour to to 7 a.m. because of rain in the forecast. Golfers will go out in threesomes instead of twsomes, from both the first and 10^th tees at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

The final group will start at 9 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m.

Televsion coverage will not be changed. The Golf Channel will air the tournament from noon to 1:30 p.m. The CBS broadcast is scheduled for 2-6 p.m., showing taped coverage from earlier in the day.

A concert by Winslow remains scheduled for 30 minutes after the completion of play.

Today's focus on camp battles looks at the fight for the No. 3 running back.

BEREA, Ohio -- The battle between Ben Tate and Terrance West is a well-publicized one. Tate, signed as a free agent this off-season, and West, drafted in the third round, both have their eyes on the No. 1 running back slot.

But what of the guys behind them? There is a slew of players looking to land as the Browns' third running back. That's the focus of today's camp battle spotlight.

Notable plays

9-on-9

• Chris Ogbonnaya with a no-gainer early, but follows it up with a counter right for a good gain.
• Edwin Baker goes off tackle left twice and gains about two yards on each carry.
• Dion Lewis one-hands a wide toss and runs five yards outside right. Later in the drill, he stutter steps for a good gain up the middle.

11-on-11

• Ogbonnaya gains five-plus yards on a run right and runs hard right later for another nice gain.
• Baker gets five off left tackle and five more on a counter up the middle.
• Lewis runs right for about six yards and gains two up the middle on a later carry.
• Lewis picked up a blitzer on a low snap which allowed quarterback Tyler Thigpen to scramble out of the pocket.

Red zone 11-on-11

• Ogbonnaya stretches right for three yards.
• Lewis runs a counter for five and likely would have been brought down in live tackling. He wasn't, though, and fumbled on second effort.

The verdict: Lewis' fumble looms large. Still, I'm willing to make an excuse this time since the play in which Lewis fumbled likely would have been called down. Plus, the rest of his day was solid. In fact, the last two days have been solid. Lewis appears to be bouncing back nicely from the broken leg he suffered last season.

Previously

• Who won Saturday: The cornerback battle
• Who won Sunday: The running back battle
• Won won Monday: The wide receiver battle
• Who won Tuesday: The linebacker battle
• Who won Thursday: The cornerback battle

Follow @dan_labbe

The Indians are 3-1 against the Rangers this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups for Friday night's game between the Indians and the Rangers at Progressive Field:

Rangers (43-65)

1. Shin-Soo Choo RF

2. Elvis Andrus SS

3. Alex Rios DH

4. Adrian Beltre 3B

5. Jim Adduci LF

6. J.P. Arencibia 1B

7. Leonys Martin CF

8. Robinson Chirinos C

9. Rougned Odor 2B

Jerome Williams RHP

Indians (53-55)

1. Jason Kipnis 2B

2. Mike Aviles SS

3. Michael Brantley CF

4. Carlos Santana 1B

5. Lonnie Chisenhall 3B

6. Nick Swisher DH

7. David Murphy RF

8. Yan Gomes C

9. Ryan Raburn LF

Danny Salazar RHP

Watch Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed talk about the highlights from Day 6 of Cleveland Browns Training Camp.

BEREA, Ohio --  Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap what happened during the sixth day of training camp in Berea.

The day was highlighted by offensive and defensive coaches catching punts at the end of practice to see who would wear the orange jerseys on Monday.  The offense won after their coaches caught all four while the defensive coaches caught only three. 

Saturday the Browns are holding their Family Day scrimmage at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.  All available tickets have been distributed.

The scrimmage will be unscripted with live tackling.  Fans could see Johnny Manziel scrambling more than they have at practice.  He could even get some first team reps.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

The Australian said it's "fun" to be challenged at Firestone Country Club.

AKRON, Ohio – Adam Scott hit only 7 of 14 fairways en route to a 2-under 68 on Friday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and he was thankful for all seven that he missed. 

What? The ones he missed? 

It's true. The Australian said he liked the opportunity to "scramble" a bit at Firestone Country Club, where he was 2-under on Friday, for a two-day total of 3-under 137. 

The last three tournaments Scott has played in, he's finished tied for fifth, ninth and fourth. He's been hitting so many fairways and greens that it's become a bit boring, as he tells it. 

"I've been swinging the club really nicely and I haven't been out of position for a few weeks," Scott said. "So, it's been quite fun to try and scramble a little bit, make some good par-saving putts and get the momentum going that way here this week. 

"To hit a few scratchy shots and have to scramble has been a bit of fun, rather than fairways and greens every day." 

Starting with a bang: Henrik Stenson liked the way he began Friday's second round that led to his 4-under 66 for the day. 

His knocked his approach shot on the 10^th fairway 108 yards – straight into the hole.  

He followed his eagle on the par-4 10 with a birdie on 11 en route to his strong showing that has him at 3-under for the tournament. 

"That kind of set off the day," Stenson said of his eagle. "Played quite well, all right. Had to save myself a few times, but still fairly solid.

The Eagles will begin the season with inexperience on the offensive and defensive lines.

AVON, Ohio - Avon has dominated the West Shore Conference and made deep playoff runs in recent years. The Eagles kicked off their 2014 training camp Friday aiming for a fifth straight WSC title and a fifth straight playoff berth.

But that doesn't mean the Eagles don't have concerns as camp begins. For coach Mike Elder, those concerns include the offensive and defensive lines, two units lacking experience.

Video will be added to this post shortly.

Senior center Patrick Baeder and senior defensive end Jacob Kules are likely to be the anchors of their respective lines. They will also be asked to play a large role in getting those units up to speed. The Eagles return three starters on offense and five on defense.

"I want us to be up and ready for the first scrimmage. I want us to be comfortable when we play together. I want us to get after it, get dirty and really fight to the end," said Baeder. "Coach Elder pushes us. I think we're going to be ready, and we're only going to get better after the scrimmages."

The Eagles have scrimmages at Massillon Washington (Aug. 12) and at home against Elyria (Aug. 16) and Tallmadge (Aug. 21). They open the season Aug. 29 at Avon Lake.

Last season, the Eagles opened with a 41-10 win over the Shoremen and didn't lose a game until the Division II regional final (24-21 vs. Highland). 

The Eagles returned experienced anchors on both lines in 2013 with tackle Walter Rauterkus, a West Virginia recruit, and Domonic Bodnar, an All-Ohio defensive end. It's a different situation this season.

"We graduated a lot of good defensive linemen, but a lot of kids who weren't seniors got rotated in and got valuable time in varsity games," said Kules. "So we're not completely new. We've still got some work to do but I think we'll be where we need to be by Week 1."

Like other teams, each season the Eagles must replace leaders lost to graduation. But as they embark on a new training camp, those new leaders will surely emerge.

"Every year people doubt us and don't think that we can accomplish as much as the year before," said Kules. "But every time some people step up and surprise everyone and become the man on either offense or defense."

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Early birdies get Charl Schwartzel and Rory McIlroy off to a fast start in the third round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

AKRON, Ohio – Charl Schwartzel and Rory McIlroy are moving up the leaderboard at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Schwartzel was three-under par through 13 holes Friday and was tied for the lead at eight-under with Justin Rose, who earlier shot 67 on the par-70 South Course at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

McIlroy was three-under for the day and four-under for the tournament through 10 holes Friday. He opened with three straight birdies, including a pair of 13-foot putts on the par-4 first and third holes. He gave back a stroke with a bogey out of a greenside bunker on No. 6, but regained it two holes later when he threaded his approach shot to within 13 feet and made the putt on the par-4 No. 8.

Schwartzel's second shot to within three feet and of the pin on No. 3 gave him two birdies in the first three holes. His 11-foot putt on No. 10 got him to eight-under. He had nine birdies and just one bogey in his first 31 holes of the tournament.

First-round leader Marc Leishman shot a 69 Friday and was one shot off the pace at seven-under.

Zach McAllister's persistent struggles cost him a spot in the starting rotation -- and cost the Indians a bunch of paperwork.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Zach McAllister's persistent struggles cost him a spot in the starting rotation -- and cost the Indians a bunch of paperwork.

The club recalled outfielder Tyler Holt from Triple-A Columbus on Friday. McAllister was designated for assignment -- strictly a procedural move. If a team claims him, the Indians can pull him off waivers.

Because the right-hander is now more than three years removed from his major league debut, the Tribe needed to secure optional waivers on him before they could send him to Triple-A. To do that, the club had to designate him.

The Indians executed a similar procedure last summer with Carlos Carrasco.

McAllister surrendered four runs on eight hits over 3 1/3 innings on Thursday. Over his last seven outings, he has compiled an 0-4 record and 9.88 ERA. Opposing hitters have logged a .963 OPS against him.

Holt provides the Indians with insurance in the outfield. Chris Dickerson exited Thursday's affair with inflammation in his left knee. He is day-to-day.

McAllister's departure leaves the Indians with three starting pitchers on the active roster. T.J. House is expected to be recalled and pitch on Saturday. Josh Tomlin could assume McAllister's spot and start Tuesday's contest against Cincinnati. Tomlin tossed 69 pitches for the Clippers on Thursday.

Cleveland Browns' wide receiver Josh Gordon's appeal of a positive drug test is a case that must stand on its own. The perceived leniency shown Baltimore running back Ray Rice for a domestic violence charge has nothing to do with Gordon -- Bud Shaw's "Sports Spin."

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Don't shoot the messenger. Or sling arrows at the commissioner for that matter.

Roger Goodell defended the league's disciplining of Baltimore running back Ray Rice on the same day Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon pleaded his case in New York.

The timing further facilitates a strained (tortured, actually) argument that says a lengthy suspension for Gordon is unfair in light of Rice's two-game suspension for domestic violence.

The league can't fix its disciplinary approach to domestic violence cases by bringing leniency to Gordon's violations of the NFL drug policy.

Filled with a misplaced sense of injustice, some Browns fans don't want to hear it but the two cases have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Or shouldn't, at least.

It makes far more sense to wonder how Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger received six games for a sexual assault accusation -- not an arrest or a conviction, but an accusation -- while Rice received two after being charged with aggravated assault of his fiancée (now his wife) and dragging her off an elevator.

Goodell makes the point that Roethlisberger was involved in a 2008 incident but a four-game difference? (His suspension was later reduced to four.) Any Browns fans want to argue on behalf of Roethlisberger? Didn't think so.

Other incidents involving NFL players and women invite similar comparisons. Have at them. They're researchable and all fair game. Just not the Gordon case. Not when it involves a collectively bargained drug program. Certainly not when it involves a repeat offender like Gordon.

"When we have a drug program that is collectively bargained, it takes four incidents before you actually reach a suspension," Goodell told reporters in Canton on Friday.

It's fine to argue the league isn't tough enough on violence against women (but that wouldn't set the NFL apart by any means). It makes no sense to use the discrepancy between domestic violence suspensions and drug program suspensions and apply it to Gordon.

Sorry.

Gordon knew where he stood three times over. It was written out for him plain and simple. The previous regime in Berea considered trading him because of it.

That's why a second-hand smoke defense, if that's truly what his camp presented at his appeal, is an even harder sell than normal. If second-hand smoke can routinely trigger a positive test, the last place Gordon should've found himself was around marijuana.

If that sounds naive in 2014, well, it's his livelihood at stake. Better naive than stupid.

Goodell made another point Friday that might not portend well for Gordon's chances.

"I was also very impressed with Ray in the sense that Ray is not only accepting this issue but he's saying, 'I was wrong,'' Goodell said. "I want to see people, when they make a mistake, I want to see them take responsibility and be accountable for it."

While I hardly think Rice's initial press conference was even remotely a win for him, his demeanor in dealing with the commissioner's office is what matters.

It may be too late for Gordon to come off accountable, given his repeat status. But a second-hand smoke defense could fall well short of any reasonable definition of "coming clean."

Gordon's best chance for a compromise is in the drug testing process itself. If reports claiming different levels discovered in the A and B sample are true – with the B sample falling below the level triggering a positive – Gordon could get a favorable ruling.

That argument no doubt came from Gordon's camp in advance of the appeal. We don't know the league's version. We almost never do. Players who test positive can paint whatever picture they want without fear of refutation.

You can argue it makes no sense to punish marijuana use because it's now legal in some states and it's not performance enhancing. But that's a different debate topic.

If Gordon has run afoul of the league's drug program yet again with no mitigating circumstances – and sorry, Rice's suspension doesn't qualify -- he deserves what he gets.

For more Bud Shaw, read "Spinoffs" and "You Said It."