The Browns have time to consider their options with Josh Gordon. So when they say they have no interest in trading Gordon, that's hardly the same as "untouchable."

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns say they have no interest in trading Josh Gordon, a player under suspension for 27 of the last 32 games?

Translation: teams aren't making it nearly compelling enough.

Gordon can't play until October. Nobody's going to offer much for him based on his availability and his dependability until he shows he's a worthwhile risk.

If some team gets desperate enough to offer first-round or second-round bait, do you really think an Ivy League front office that has meticulously designed a plan to Make The Browns Great Again will hesitate to jump at that deal?

You really think Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta will declare Gordon untouchable after waving goodbye to far more productive and dedicated players this past off-season?

You believe the Browns will say, "sorry, this is where we draw the line. This guy. The one we don't get until October, and don't know how long he'll stay eligible"?

Browns getting multiple inquiries about Gordon

"Sorry, we cannot imagine playing without him," even though that's all this franchise has done over his tortured career.

What makes sense is for the Browns to wait. Gordon's trade value can't go precipitously lower. It can only increase (provided he doesn't get suspended again.) Waiting is what they've done and should keep doing. That's all they really have invested in him. Time.

What's another month, another half season?

The best thing the Browns can do is maximize their plan to build through the draft, to keep adding highly productive, high character players who grow together. The worst thing the Browns can do is believe too much in their ability to change behavior. The organization didn't fail Gordon. He failed himself.

Everyone wants to see him succeed. Help him succeed. But this is still the NFL, not a support group.

You already hear the tired notion that this regime is the one that can bring out the best in Gordon. The insinuation is the previous regimes were part of the problem. If they were, it's because they drafted guys with issues and hoped they'd change.

Former CEO Joe Banner was part of a regime that entertained a deal with San Francisco that would've delivered a second-round pick and a player for Gordon. That was 2013, Gordon's monster year. Gordon then missed 10 games in 2014 and all of 2015.

Now that Gordon is practicing, his trade value should increase. If he plays well in the next exhibition game or two, even more so. He's only 25. Did anyone expect him to look physically different? Less of a talent? So not surprisingly he looks good. Teams are monitoring that, but the bigger question is his dependability.

It's still the preseason. He can't help until October.

When the Browns say they have no interest in dealing him, they mean for what a trade partner would fairly offer today.

Check back tomorrow.

At least that's what they should mean.

As part of cleveland.com's preseason statewide coverage of Ohio high school football, the following list breaks down the 25 must-see games for the 2016 season.

The Browns' new cornerback tandem of Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor both picked off Bucs quarterbacks on tipped passes in the joint practice.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Browns' new starting cornerback tandem of Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor got off to a good start with interceptions off tipped passes in the first joint practice against the Bucs.

In 11-on-11s, Haden picked off QB Jameis Winston on a pass tipped by Demario Davis, and then Taylor, newly installed as the other starter, swiped a Mike Glennon pass tipped over the middle by receiver Kenny Bell.

"Joe made one today and I knew I had to try to get one,'' said Taylor, acquired in a draft day trade with the Dolphins for an exchange of seventh-round picks.

Haden, who plans to test his surgically-repaired ankle Friday night against the Bucs, was grateful to make a play in one of the few 11-on-11 periods he's participated in this camp.

"Demario had a tip,'' said Haden. "My dude was running a post. Once I looked back for the ball, it was tipped and coming to me in the air. So I was able to get that. It felt good to get my hands on the ball again."

Haden, who missed 11 games last season, including 10 with a concussion, never got the chance to feel the leather in a game last year.

"Yeah, it's been a while,'' he said. "Just to be able to get an interception, that's the goal. Now I'm just so particular on myself. Double D got the tip. Now I just want to undercut a route and get it all on my own. But just being able to be out there with those guys and double D making plays, it's special and it just felt really good to be back out there."

Video: Throw goes off camera a sec, but here's another INT, with #Bucs' Jameis Winston picked by Browns' Joe Haden. pic.twitter.com/BYre4EeyPH

-- Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 23, 2016

The fact that it came against an opposing QB instead of a teammate made it all the more sweet.

"For sure,'' he said. "Definitely. But for me, I'm just trying to get back at it. I'm really trying to get myself back in the mode. Just like when we're out in Berea, locking in, trying to get my backpedaling and everything together. It just felt good just being out there with my boys."

Haden was equally happy that his new backfield partner corralled one. They had two of three Browns picks on the day, including one by rookie inside linebacker Dominique Alexander, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma.

"Yeah, the thing about our DB room is we've got a lot of dudes with Jamar, with Tramon (Williams), with myself, with (Justin) Gilbert,'' said Haden. "Everybody's happy for everybody. We're just out there trying to make plays. Everybody's trying to do their thing. It's not really inside competition. We want to go out there, everybody puts their best foot forward and whoever plays the best is going to be the starters.

"With us ... if we see something, we're all telling each other, not keeping any secrets because it's going to be tough. Like our coach says, they can miss tackles in the front end, we can't miss tackles in the back end. So as far as the secondary, we just want to be our very best."

Haden reiterated that he believed he and Taylor will make a formidable duo.

"I like Jamar's game,'' said Haden. "He's really, really quick. He's able to make very sudden movements and come out of his breaks extremely fast. He's a smart player. He doesn't just line up and go play. He kind of surveys, sees two by two, two by one, he checks splits, just the advanced corner."

#Bucs CB Mike Glennon picked off by #Browns CB Jamar Taylor. Pass was intended for Kenny Bell. pic.twitter.com/9vBEgkvcIM

-- JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 23, 2016

Hue Jackson continues to be impressed by Taylor, who broke up a third-down pass to Atlanta's Mohamed Sanu last week to end a drive.

"He makes plays,'' said Jackson. "Obviously, I didn't get a chance to see (the interception, Jackson was with the offense at the time). I can't wait to go back and watch our defense, but that's what we expect from our corners. They have to get their hands on the ball. ... Defense, we have to get turnovers. On offense, we have to prevent them."

Terrelle Pryor has gone against Taylor all camp and likes what he sees.

"He's a fast guy,'' said Pryor. "He takes his job and his work and his family very, very serious. It's great to see. I was sitting in the sauna one day talking to him and just how focused the guy is, when I saw it on there, I wasn't surprised because I just know the mindset he has and how great he wants to be and the way he lives his life. So it's exciting."

Taylor 'has to make the most' of CB opportunity

Taylor, 25, downplayed the significance of the pick after Jackson declared him the current starter.

"I'm not really worrying about that,'' he said. "I'm just trying to get my hands on the ball for the defense. We say we need three or four turnovers a day, I think we got three today, so we've got to try to get four tomorrow and that's what it's about. I was just happy the ball got tipped and fell in my hands.''

A 2013 second-round pick out of Boise State, he acknowledged his appreciation for a chance to start after the Dolphins gave up on him. Originally behind K'Waun Williams at nickel, he has moved past Tramon Williams opposite Haden.

"Not really too focused on spot right now,'' he said. "I'm just focused on getting better. Trying not to make the same mistakes, still trying to earn my teammates' trust and the coaches' trust.

"I know I can play in this game. I've had teammates and coaches and vets who've made Pro Bowls and stuff tell me I've got what it takes so it's one those things, just keep hammering at the nail. It's definitely a blessing to be in this opportunity that I have right now and I'm just trying to make the most of it.''

Like Haden, he feels the two can be a great team. But they're both respectful of Tramon Williams, who will play nickel if Taylor sticks as the starter.

"Tramon won a Super Bowl and Joe went to Pro Bowls," he said. "As long as I'm on the field with one of those guys, I'm going to try to raise the bar myself and just continue to make plays.

"We can be whatever we want to be if we put the work in, which I know we will.''

Danny Salazar faces the A's on Tuesday night in his second start since coming off the disabled list for the Indians.

OAKLAND -- The Indians and Oakland play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night at O.co Coliseum. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Game 124: Indians (72-51) vs. Athletics (53-72).

First pitch: 10:05 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup:  RHP Danny Salazar (11-4, 3.57) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (4-8, 4.73).

Fact du jour: Monday night's 1-0 victory over the A's was the Indians ninth shutout of the season.

Alexander, an undrafted free agent, has been climbing the team's depth chart at inside linebacker.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Dominique Alexander has a good idea as to why he went undrafted in April's NFL Draft.  

"They said I was a smaller guy and they didn't think I had a lot of thump," the Browns rookie inside linebacker said on Tuesday.  

He has a plan to try and change that perception in his first training camp.  

"Every time I go out to practice," Alexander said, "I'm trying to hit somebody."  

Joe Haden has certainly noticed. "He's a hitter," Haden said. "He makes sure that he lets people know that in practice."   

Alexander carries the kind of decorated past that would make one think he was worth a draft pick. He was named first team All-Big 12 in 2015 and second team in 2014. He started 35 games in three seasons, including eight as a freshman. He ranked in the top 10 in tackles in the Big 12 during his final two seasons.  

Yet here he is, an undrafted free agent trying to make a roster.  

"It's not my first time being in this position," Alexander said. "When I went to (Oklahoma), I was a three-star (recruit) out of high school. I wasn't supposed to come in and do what I did. I went there and I ended up starting my freshman year."  

He's doing it again. Alexander has been climbing the depth chart. Starters Demario Davis and Christian Kirksey are essentially written in pen, but Alexander saw the field early and often last Thursday night against Atlanta. He was played long before former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo and had the most snaps of any of the inside linebackers.  

Hue Jackson responded to a question about Alexander rising with an emphatic, "He is."  

"He has done well," he said. "He can run. I think we all know that. He has shown that he will tackle. He has been a valuable asset on special teams. He has ability. We are glad he's here."  

That ability to run is something he honed at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa where, along with football, he played basketball and ran track.  

"That's one thing God blessed me with, is my speed," Alexander said, "so when I go out there, there aren't a lot of linemen who can reach me and then ... I can always go cover a tight end or a running back."  

Alexander also credits basketball with helping him develop skills he needed to play inside linebacker, a position that requires the ability to read, react and move laterally.  

"Basketball helps you with the defensive aspect because you're always shifting side to side," he said, "so when you get into football, you always know your tells and you're able to move."  

The 21-year-old Alexander was an active player during Tuesday's first joint practice with the Buccaneers. After struggling most of the morning, the defense started forcing turnovers, including an interception by Alexander, his first of training camp.  

"It just goes to show that with good coaching, if you listen and be in the right places at the right times, good things will happen for you," he said.  

That ability to take coaching is what Alexander credits for his rise with the Browns. He says while there will always be things to correct, he tries to not make the same mistakes twice.

That drive to improve is only helped by the presence of another lightly regarded prospect who ended up in a different spot than he could have anticipated last April: inside linebacker Scooby Wright.  

Wright, whose Twitter handle is @TwoStarScoob, a reference to his low recruiting profile out of high school, was considered by some, including Alexander, as one of the best college defenders before injuries derailed his 2015 season. He ended up a seventh-round choice of the Browns.  

"We definitely push each other harder." Alexander said. "We just try to make sure each other are going as hard as possible just because we know that we're doubted. We weren't chosen how we were supposed to. The doubt keeps us motivated."  

Off the field, Alexander carries with him the lessons he learned from helping out in the wake of tornadoes that ravaged Moore, Oklahoma in 2013. He and his teammates helped with the cleanup and would visit homeless shelters.  

"It was tough," Alexander said. "Everything is literally gone. The houses and homes that they built are just gone."  

Alexander said that the biggest takeaway was to take nothing for granted.  

"They didn't wake up that morning thinking they were going to lose their house, and then they just lost their house," he said.  

It certainly makes trying to catch onto an NFL roster seem like a much more trivial matter, especially for a kid who's been doubted to begin with.  

"It's nothing that I've never done before," Alexander said. 

----- 

Follow me: on Twitter | on Facebook | Snapchat username: djlobster 

The Indians and Athletics will play the middle game of their three-game set at O.co Coliseum on Tuesday night.

OAKLAND -- Here are the starting lineups for Tuesday night's game between the Indians and A's. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m.

INDIANS

CF Rajai Davis.

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

DH Mike Napoli.

1B Carlos Santana.

3B Jose Ramirez.

LF Brandon Guyer.

RF Abraham Almonte.

C Chris Gimenez.

RHP Danny Salazar, 11-4, 3.57.

ATHLETICS

LF Coco Crisp.

CF Jake Smolinski.

RF Danny Valencia.

DH Khris Davis.

1B Yonder Alonso.

3B Ryon Healy.

2B Max Muncy.

SS Chad Pinder.

C Bruce Maxwell.

LHP Sean Manaea, 4-8, 4.73.

UMPIRES

H Frank Carlson.

1B Alan Porter.

2B Clint Fagan.

3B Brian Gorman, crew chief.

Gordon and Pryor have dreamed of this day since last summer when they were working out together at the Randy Moss Academy in North Carolina.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Browns will have to wait until Week 5 to spring their Twin Terrors on the Patriots, but the duo of Josh Gordon and Terrelle Pryor lined up together a lot in the first joint practice against the Bucs Tuesday. It promises to be a matchup nightmare.

"Most definitely,'' said the 6-3 Gordon, who's drawn interest from multiple teams, but isn't going to be traded, a team source told cleveland.com. "You don't see too many DBs over 6-2, so it's definitely a size advantage, that's for sure.''

Gordon and the 6-4 Pryor have dreamed of this day since last summer when they were working out together at the Randy Moss Academy in North Carolina.

"We talked about it, thought about it, didn't know how long he was going to stay in Cleveland or what-not, but it ended up working out him staying and developing into such a great receiver and I think he can only get better,'' said Gordon. "I'm excited, he's excited and it really is a dream come true, because we never thought that that would happen.

"So I'm very grateful, very blessed, and I think we're going to have a lot of fun and make the most out of it and give something the Browns fans can look forward to and make a lot of big plays.''

Both made a handful of plays Tuesday, with Gordon corralling the first pass from Robert Griffin III and Pryor catching two passes over four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes.

"I don't want to put bulletin-board material and stuff on there because we're all pros out here,'' said Pryor. "We're all going to battle. But if you look at just the size and the speed of what me and Josh have, of course, it's somewhat of a disadvantage [for the defense].

"We've got great talent. Corey (Coleman) is coming back. He'll be back (Wednesday) full go. (Andrew Hawkins is) coming back. We're starting to get our guys back. So it's exciting.''

Cornerback Joe Haden, who went against a pair of 6-5 Bucs receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, knows what a load the two Browns can be. Shortly before Gordon was conditionally reinstated, the Browns moved Pryor to "Z'' from "X" in part so the two could play outside together.

"They're just really big dudes that can go vertical,'' Haden said. "If you have vertical threats, guys that can take the top off, it takes a safety out of the box. You can't lean the safety over to (Gordon) 'cause then T.P.'s running the fade to the other side. So it just puts a lot of pressure on the defense to not be able to lean to a side and not be able to stack the box because when you've got guys 6-4, running 4.3s on the outside, you've kind of got to pay attention to him."

Cornerback Jamar Taylor has learned in practice how tough it is to cover the pair.

"Those dudes man, it's kind of crazy because I was in college when Josh first got into the league, so to see a guy like that dominate and he's been back for the past couple of days and he's been dominant,'' said Taylor. "He's going to be a (terror). Being out for a couple of years, he has that chip on his shoulder and then Terrelle kind of coming into that new role, he's been doing a great, great job. And both of those guys are big, so you have to worry about speed and them being big and they're physical.''

The Gordon-Pryor-Coleman Air Show debuts Friday night

The trio of Gordon, Pryor and No. 15 overall pick Coleman didn't appear much together Tuesday, in part because Coleman is still working his way back from a tweaked hamstring.

"It's fun to have (Coleman) back out there just running around,'' said head coach Hue Jackson. "He'll get better and better as we keep pushing him through it as long as we can keep them out there. Those hamstrings are kind of tricky, but we'll see where he's at tomorrow. We need to back out here practicing."

Jackson acknowledged that the two big men are a matchup headache.

"They provide us with some opportunities to do some things that we like to do,'' he said. "We have a lot of good guys, a lot of different pieces that we can use ... we just have to keep getting better."

Gordon looked as natural as ever Tuesday despite practicing in plus-90 degree heat, with an index of 109.

"This was different for him," Jackson said. "It's been a while since he's been real sweaty, real hot in that mode. He's just got to keep fighting it, and we have to get him there. Obviously, he is a ways away from getting an opportunity to truly play a game, but it was good for him to get out here and do this."

Jackson continues to rave about Pryor.

"He's done a great job,'' he said. "The sky's the limit for him if he'll keep working. He's a young guy playing in that position, even though he's played in the National Football League at another position.

"He just can't get complacent. He's very talented, but at the same time, I just know there is so much more in there for him. If he'll keep working at it, who knows what that young man can be."

When Coleman is healthy, he might be used in the slot with Gordon and Pryor on the outside.

"They could be all over the place,'' said Jackson. "I think you guys know me. I come up with all these crazy dreams and I'll put these guys all over the place. They might be playing tackle someday, you never know. Those guys afford us an opportunity to do a lot of different things. We're just scratching the surface because we have to keep them all out there. They're a talented trio."

Gordon, who played in a version of this offense in 2013 when he led the league with 1,646 yards, can see the possibilities.

"We see a bright future,'' he said. "We envision a lot of downfield passing, that's for sure. ... We've got the ability and the talent to stretch the field in every direction.''

Check out what Buccaneers media has to say about the Browns during their joint practices in Tampa.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns are in Tampa this week to practice against the Buccaneers prior to Friday's preseason game between the teams.

Here's what the media that covers the Buccaneers had to say about the Browns on Tuesday:

The return of Josh McCown: Before McCown was a Brown, he was a Bucs quarterback in 2014, and was 1-10 as the starter during a 2-14 season. That led to the Bucs drafting Jameis Winston No. 1 last year.

Here's what Tampa Bay Times reporter Greg Auman wrote about McCown's return:

"Here's what's funny: he had 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with the Bucs, but add up his 2013 with the Bears and 2015 with the Browns and he has 25 touchdowns against only five interceptions. The Bucs cut him loose before free agency last spring and he actually signed for more money with Cleveland than he would have gotten from Tampa."

Patrick Murray vs. the second-round pick: The Bucs had one of the surprises of the 2016 draft when they selected Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo in the second round.

Aguayo has had a rough preseason, missing an extra point in the first game and two field goals in the second. Former Bucs kicker Martin Gramatica said the team needs to give Aguayo time, wrote Tampa Bay Times columnist Tom Jones.

But with Murray in town this week, the Bucs will be faced with an obvious comparison.

"It's not enough that Pat Murray, the Bucs' 2014 kicker and one of two kickers released after Aguayo was drafted, is playing against the Bucs on Friday night," wrote Auman. "(Murray) also gets to share a practice field with Aguayo for two days."

So how did they do on Tuesday? 

Another miss for Aguayo. This one he kicked into the line. Overall, Aguayo was 3-for-6 on kicks in 11-on-11 work today. #Bucs

-- Roy Cummings (@RCummingsNFL) August 23, 2016

Patrick Murray continues to separate himself in #Browns' kicking duel. He went 4 for 4 on FGs. Travis Coons 2 for 3.

-- Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 23, 2016

Practice observations: JoeBucsFan.com, a Buccaneers fan blog that is credentialed by the team and includes a Hall of Fame voter, had the following notes from Tuesday's practice.

- (Center) Evan Smith loses twice in a row to Danny Shelton. Center battle is equalized. Joe Hawley loses twice consecutively to Jamie Meder. Second one also was a hold by Hawley.

- 11-on-11 returns: Josh McCown drops a snap in shotgun and then picks up the ball and fires way wide left to the sidelines and out of bounds. (JoeBucsFan.com's) seen that before.

- Jameis 15 yards to V-Jax followed by the play of the day! Mike Evans is covered by Joe Haden on the right side. Haden is with Evans, but Evans hits another gear on his outside break. Safety help comes and Jameis drops a 40 yard bomb in Evans' fingertips in stride. Complete! Wow.

The Browns and Bucs practiced against each other for the first of two times Tuesday. There was no live tackling, but both teams benefitted from working against another team.

The Indians are in first place in the AL Central, but they're not necessarily in a great spot to add a player by the Aug. 31 deadline. That means any improvements they make will have to come from inside the organization.

OAKLAND, Calif. - There are no perfect teams in the big leagues. Regardless of what their won-loss records might be, they all have soft spots.

The Indians are no different. Their fans can wring their hands over non-hitting catchers, closer Cody Allen's tightrope walking and the bumpy road that starters Josh Tomlin and Danny Salazar are traveling.

But the one thing they do have is a 71/2-game lead in the AL Central with 39 games to play. Logistically and organizationally, that puts them in a tough spot to try and add a player by the Aug. 31 waiver deadline.

The Indians entered Tuesday night's game against Oakland with the best record in the American League at 72-51 (.585). It's a great place to be, but there are drawbacks if they want to make a deal.

For a player to become available, the 14 other AL teams would have to pass once they'd been put on waivers. A team could easily put in a claim to block a player from getting to the Indians.

"For a team in our position, it about where you select," said Derek Falvey, Indians assistant general manager. "It's hard for guys to get through all the way to us. So I think the likelihood for those kind of trades is a little bit harder when you're in the position we're in, which we're happy about, no question."

Falvey, who is making this trip with the team, says the Indians might be able to solve their problems internally.

He pointed to catcher Yan Gomes and right-hander Tommy Hunter as players who could help down the stretch. Gomes (right shoulder) and Hunter (back) are on the disabled list, but Gomes could start a rehab assignment at the end of this seven-game trip and Hunter is already rehabbing at Class AAA Columbus.

Gomes getting closer to rehab assignment

"There are some pieces that are still here, that aren't currently playing, that we think can still help us," said Falvey.

Danny Salazar and Josh Tomlin are the soft spots in the starting rotation. Salazar started Tuesday night against the A's.

"What's unique about our staff is that they were so dominant for such a long period of time that when you have a few starts in a row that might go poorly," said Falvey, "it feels like things might be falling apart. But in reality if you spread that out over the course of a season, the number of starts that haven't gone the way these guys wanted, you wouldn't even notice it."

How worried should Tribe be about Salazar, Tomlin?

Corey Kluber is 7-1 in his last 11 starts. Carlos Carrasco, who threw eight scoreless innings in Monday's 1-0 win over the A's, has 20 strikeouts in his last two starts. Trevor Bauer, 2-0 in his last three starts, struck out a career-high 13 Blue Jays in eight innings on Friday.

Salazar and Tomlin have been struggling.

"With the way the rotation is set up right now, it looks like Carlos is just hitting his stride," said Falvey. "Kluber, with the way he's pitched since the break, has been really solid. Trevor has bounced back after a couple of tough starts to where two of his last three have been good."

Manager Terry Francona said if Tomlin's problems continue, they might skip him for a start in September. Mike Clevinger, who has been working out of the bullpen lately, could fill in.

"There might be a time in September, who knows, where we skip him once," said Francona, "so he doesn't have to muscle up to get his velocity and lose his command because command is what makes him so good."

Francona added that hopefully it doesn't come to that.

Salazar's start against the A's was his second since coming off the disabled list on Thursday. He went one inning in his first start, and allowed three runs in the first inning Tuesday night.

"Danny, coming off the injury, has a full round (of work) where he can get back into his routine," said Falvey. "I mean we feel pretty good about that whole group."

Testing, testing: Gomes caught Kluber's bullpen on Tuesday afternoon. He caught a few pitches from Andrew Miller.

Miller struck out the side in order in the ninth to save Monday's 1-0 victory. On Sunday, Cody Allen earned the save in the Tribe's 3-2 win over Toronto.

It would seem Francona has kept his word about using whatever reliever he deems necessary among Miller, Allen and Bryan Shaw based on the situation he's facing.

Miller's role with Tribe? 'I'll be a bullpen pitcher'

"It seems like we're all going to be flexible, and I think that's good for us," said Miller. "I think we've got a good group of guys and, as a unit, I think we've pitched really well top to bottom since I've been here. If we can give Tito as many options as possible, I think we'll be better for it."

Miller is 7-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 11 saves. He's struck out 93, walked eight and allowed nine earned runs in 56 innings. What he's done with the Indians in nine appearances since being acquired from the Yankees - 16 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings and a .111 batting average -- has not surprised Francona.

"That's why we traded so many good young players because we thought so highly of him," said Francona. "You don't trade that many good young players if you don't feel he's that good."

The Indians traded Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen to the Yankees for Miller on July 31.

Jordan Smith goes 3-for-4 for the second straight night with two RBI.

Jordan SmithAkron RubberDucks 

AKRON, Ohio -- Jordan Smith had three hits for the second straight game, and Michael Peoples gave up just one run in six innings as the RubberDucks rolled to their ninth straight win with a 4-1 victory over Reading.

Smith has been on a roll, with 16 hits and 12 RBI over the past nine games to improve his average to .270.

The RBI total includes two on Tuesday night with a two-run double in the third inning that helped the RubberDucks take a 3-0 lead. Smith also scored on a groundout by Eric Haase.

Peoples (10-6, 3.80 ERA) gave up a run in the fourth but kept the Phils in check, giving up eight hits and striking out five. He got out of trouble in the fourth by getting Angelo Mora to ground into a double play with runners on first and third and one out.

Cole Sulser pitched two scoreless, hitless innings, and Cameron Hill earned the save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

The RubberDucks (67-60) continue to climb in the Class AA Eastern League's Western Division, trailing first-place Altoona by only 2.5 games.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

The Browns receivers have fans hoping that maybe their team has found something.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Browns offense, so hot right now. Literally.

I mean, it was hot here on Tuesday morning. Really hot.

It was hot in Berea most of training camp, too, but this was next level stuff. This was drenched in sweat just standing out there hot. The heat index was in triple digits. Someone in the media room at the Buccaneers' training facility commented that this might have been one of the hottest days out there.

"I'm glad that it is," head coach Hue Jackson said after practice. "The hotter the better because that's the way it is going to be as we start during the season against Miami."

We're still a month away from that next trip to Florida. That game will take place two weeks before wide receiver Josh Gordon can make his return to the field. Visions of pairing him with Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman have people thinking big for this offense. Of course, only one of those three -- Gordon -- has done anything as a receiver at this level, and he's the one you trust the least.

August is the time for letting optimism flow, though, especially when there is something to back it up -- it sure seems like they've found something in Pryor and Coleman was the best player in camp before a hamstring kept him out.

No questions get answered in the heat of August, really. Is what we're seeing a mirage? We'll know by the time we're sitting inside, longing for those triple digit heat indexes in a few months.

Gordon, Pryor provide sneak preview

Here are some other observations:

* The Roberto Aguayo concerns are real down here. He missed two kicks today during the time I was watching, including one that was a line drive shank to the left. It led one fan in attendance to yell, upon seeing former Bucs kicker Patrick Murray get ready to kick for the Browns, "Bring him back!"

* If only it were that easy, though. Murray has to be the front-runner for the Browns' kicking job. Travis Coons keeps missing while Murray doesn't. (Shameless plug: Check out my story on Murray from earlier in camp.)

* The defense bouncing back at the end of practice was big. Early in practice, I saw some bad things. There were three offside penalties. Tramon Williams got beat on a deep throw and pushed the receiver down for an interference penalty. Jamar Taylor, Joe Haden and Dominique Alexander coming away with interceptions during the final team drills was important.

* Haden's interception was on a tipped pass by middle linebacker Demario Davis. Rookie defensive lineman Carl Nassib tipped a pass the other night. Haden understands the importance of a front seven that can get their hands on the football.

"They make our job so much easier just being able to get pressure on the quarterback," Haden said, "being able to tip balls, being able to have them throw it off their spot 'cause if they're just back there standing there, it's hard to cover for over five seconds."

* I keep thinking Terrell Watson is going to be the guy to have a big fourth preseason game -- the kind of game that could make it hard to sneak him onto the practice squad.

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The Chargers released a strongly-worded press release that indicates that this situation is even more serious than most anticipated previously.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The typical view on all NFL contract holdouts is that they always end eventually. 

So in the beginning, Joey Bosa's holdout with the San Diego Chargers just seemed like the normal thing that happens with players who are selected in the top five of the NFL Draft. 

But on Wednesday, as Bosa's abnormally long holdout continued, the Chargers released a strongly-worded press release that indicates that this situation is even more serious than most anticipated previously. 

Per the Chargers release, the franchise extended its best offer to Bosa last night. And that offer was rejected. 

It included:

* An initial signing bonus payment that is larger than any player in the League has received in the last two drafts."

* More money in this calendar year than every player in this year's draft except one (QB Carson Wentz).

* The largest payment and the highest percentage of signing bonus received in the first calendar year of any Chargers' first-round selection since the inception of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (2011).

Then the release ended with this: 

"The offer that we extended was for Joey to contribute during all 16 games and beyond," the team said. "Joey's ability to contribute for an entire rookie season has now been jeopardized by the valuable time he has missed with his coaches and his teammates. Since Joey will not report at this time, his ability to produce not just early in the season, but throughout the entire season, has been negatively impacted.

"As a result, we will restructure our offer since Joey will be unable to contribute for the full 16-game season without the adequate time on the practice field, in the classroom, and in preseason games."

Clayton Murphy first Akron Zip in school history to bring home an Olympic medal Watch video

AKRON, Ohio -- Clayton Murphy sat with his 800-meter Olympic bronze medal on the table in front of him Wednesday afternoon during a media session at the University of Akron. He said the experience in Rio, "still hasn't sunk in. That night in Rio was surreal."

Ditto that for the university. While former Olympians dot just about every campus in the Mid-American Conference, for Akron, Murphy is the first to bring home any kind of medal - gold, silver, or bronze - the Zips can claim as one of their own.

Murphy received a proclamation from the city declaring it "Clayton Murphy Day" which he held proudly. Surely he will get that and more when Murphy finally gets back home to New Paris, Ohio. But duty calls as he is still training for a Sept. 3 race in New York and "possibly two or three (races) in Europe.

"When I do get home there will be some kind of celebration,'' Murphy said.

No doubt, as he is the ultimate "small town boy makes good" story. In high school he was a very good athlete as both a basketball player and a soccer player with cross country and track filling in the sports calendar. And in the summer there were his 4-H duties, showing and selling pigs at local and regional fairs.

It's pretty easy to see where basketball would help Murphy's track training with multiple sprints, as he is now recognized for having a big ability to sprint hard and fast at the finish. It's also easy to see where soccer helps with his stamina, as Murphy is also a 1,500-meter runner as well, with soccer being his initial sports dream.

But he actually said raising pigs probably did more for his training that both other sports combined.

"I learned more skills and translated more skills (to track) by living on a farm,'' Murphy said. "There's a lot of times when your parents are gone, and you have to do all the chores yourself. Working behind the scenes, doing what I have to do, translates very well."

For Murphy, it translated into an Olympic medal.

Take a closer look at the Browns' depth chart behind Cameron Erving at center.

TAMPA, Fla. -- It has been clear since the start of off-season programs that the Browns want Cameron Erving as their center. It's one of the few spots on the roster where there hasn't been a battle for the starting job. 

Erving, though, has had some nagging injuries this camp and, while no one is making a big deal of it at the moment, he has had issues snapping the football. 

The best case scenario is that Erving stays healthy and becomes a really good center. If that doesn't happen though? Well, let's meet the men behind him. 

John Greco's ready and able 

John Greco played some center in 2014 after starter Alex Mack broke his leg.John Kuntz, cleveland.com 

John Greco's been around a while, so he knows how these things can go. It was two years ago that the ninth-year guard out of Toledo was asked to move over a slot when then-center Alex Mack broke his leg. 

"It's always in the back of my mind because that's been our plan the last few years," Greco said, "and until I get told otherwise, that's still my plan. If it happens, I'll be ready." 

Just to be safe, Greco still spends time snapping in practice. 

The key difference between guard and center, Greco said, is that at guard, there are more one-on-one situations, especially against four-man fronts. 

"I think it's a little bit tighter footwork (at center) because you have to be able to help both guards if there's line movement or a blitz and you're going to a different linebacker," he explained. 

If the Browns do need a backup plan at center, the coaching staff will likely turn, first, a few feet to the right.  

Mike Matthews knows there's more to playing center than size 

Mike Matthews doesn't mind being a bit undersized.John Kuntz, cleveland.com 

Mike Matthews doesn't care if some people see him as undersized. The undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M knows there is more than one way to play center. 

"I'm a different player than most guys," Matthews said. "Some guys rely on their natural size while I've got to rely on my hand placement, leverage, things like that. There's multiple ways to get the job done but, at the end of the day, are you getting the job done?" 

In fact, Matthews, who weighs in around 295 pounds, believes if he did bulk up - to say, 310 - he wouldn't be able to play well. 

Luckily for him, he plays a position that he calls a little different than the other offensive line spots. 

"It's not about just mauling guys all the time but being smart about it," Matthews said, "getting your head across and things like that where you put yourself in the situation to win, so while it is a lot of physical, mentally you have to understand the right techniques and that's really a big part of the game." 

Garth Gerhart knows what it's like to wait his turn 

Garth Gerhart has been fighting for a job in the NFL since 2012.Scott Shaw, Plain Dealer file

Garth Gerhart has been in the league since 2012. Technically, though, he's in his second year. 

He's spent most of his career on practice squads, including two separate stints with the Browns, the team that originally signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona State. 

"This is my fifth camp now," Gerhart said, "so it's probably the most time I've got to play and show that I can play." 

Gerhart is listed second on the team's unofficial depth chart behind Cam Erving. He played 33 snaps in the first preseason game in Green Bay - the second most of any offensive player -- and 19 last week against Atlanta.  

Take a minute to follow Gerhart's path: After signing with the Browns in 2012, he was waived in August and placed on the practice squad. In January of 2013, he signed with the Packers. He was later waived and signed to Carolina's practice squad in September of that year. The Panthers released him less than a week later, then the Packers signed him to their practice squad a month to the day after Carolina cut him. He was with the Packers until September of last season, appearing in two games with Green Bay in 2014, playing guard in both games. He's been with the Browns off and on ever since. 

So, while you might take preseason games for granted, Gerhart's a guy who's not about to do that now. 

"Got two more games and another week of camp and you've just got to keep grinding," he said. "You never know what's going to happen." 

That sounds like a man who's five years into a two-year career. 

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The Indians opened this seven-game trip with a disappointing series against the struggling Athletics. After winning the first game of the series, 1-0, Monday, they lost the next two games, 9-1, and 5-1. Watch video

OAKLAND -- There is a pitcher's lament that is as old as baseball. It starts and ends with "one bad inning."

Trevor Bauer ran into that one bad inning Wednesday afternoon and it was a doozy. He gave up five runs on five hits while facing nine batters in the second inning. It was all Oakland needed to beat the Tribe, 5-1, at O.co Coliseum.

The second inning wouldn't have been that bad if not for a glaring misplay by first baseman Carlos Santana that left Bauer hopping in frustration. The A's already held a 3-0 lead when Danny Valencia hit a pop up on the right side of the infield.

Bauer came off the mound toward the first-base line, shielding his eyes from the sun. Santana came sprinting in from first, but overran the ball. It fell behind him as two runs scored on what was initially ruled a hit, but later changed to an error.

"That was kind of the undoing of the game," said manager Terry Francona.

For several seconds Bauer, after he finished hopping, stood behind the mound, gathering himself. He ended the inning by striking out Stephen Vogt then slowly walked off the mound as if he didn't have a friend in the world.

"I lost it in the sun," said Santana. "I tried to catch it, but sometimes that happens in baseball. I have to continue to get better."

Khris Davis started the second with a triple off the right field wall. Yonder Diaz walked and Ryon Healy singled to left to make it 1-0. Brett Eibner sent a grounder down the line at first that Santana stopped with a dive and flipped to Bauer at first to get the first out as the runners advanced.

Max Muncy's single to center over the drawn-in infield made it 2-0 as Healy went to third. Chad Pinder sent a liner to right that Chisenhall caught just above the grass. Healy barely beat his throw home on the sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.

Jake Smolinski's single sent Muncy to third. Smolinksi advanced on a wild pitch before scoring behind Muncy on the Santana error.

"Yeah, I thought I was out of inning," said Bauer, referring to Valencia's pop up. "I tried to minimize (the damage) and it didn't work out. So, I tried to keep going out there and keep throwing innings after that.

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to come back today. We've done that a lot lately."

Bauer threw 41 pitches in the second inning, but still managed to work into the seventh to help save the bullpen.

The Indians lost two out of three to an Oakland team they swept in a three-game home series in July. In the first two games, including a 1-0 victory Monday, they were held to one run in 13 innings by rookie starters Andrew Triggs and Sean Manaea.

Kendall Graveman held the Indians spellbound Wednesday. He allowed one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"They have guys with good stuff," said Mike Napoli. "They were getting ground ball double plays when they needed to. They pitched well and kept us in check."

The Indians have hit in 113 double plays, which is third highest in the AL.

Their only run against Graveman came on Roberto Perez's two-out homer in the seventh that bounced off the top of the fence in right and came back onto the field. Crew chief Brian Gorman called for a review, which took just 34 seconds for the call to be upheld.

It was the second homer in as many games by an Indians catcher. Chris Gimenez homered for the Tribe's only run on Tuesday.

The Indians, in the three-game series against an Oakland team that is 55-72, scored three runs, which isn't conducive to winning baseball. Especially for a team ranked second in the AL in scoring

Bauer (9-6, 3.88) allowed five runs, three earned, on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked two. Graveman (10-8, 3.97) struck out two and walked two.

The pitches

Bauer threw 111 pitches, 70 or 63 percent for strikes. Graveman threw 102 pitches, 73 or 72 percent for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and A's drew 12,795 fans to O.co Coliseum on Wednesday. The three-game series drew 36,050.

What's next?

The AL Central-leading Indians meet the AL West-leading Rangers in a four-game series starting Thursday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington. RHP Josh Tomlin (11-7, 4.39) will face Texas left-hander Cole Hamels (13-4, 2.80) in Thursday night's series opener at 8:05 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

The Cleveland Indians capped a bad series in Oakland with a 5-1 loss to the Athletics on Wednesday afternoon. The Tribe scored a total of three runs in dropping two of three.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Kendall Graveman allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings and the Oakland Athletics scored five in the second en route to a 5-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday afternoon at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Here is a capsule look at the key aspect(s) of the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Time Ohio:

Yikes: The Indians (72-53), first place in the AL Central, lost the final two of the three-game series. The Athletics (55-72) are fourth in the AL West.

The Indians did not merely lose the final two. They threw an assortment of bad pitches, had numerous bad at-bats and were sloppy in the field.

I don't buy that the Indians experienced an "emotional letdown'' after the high drama of a home series against AL East-leading Toronto, a series in which they won two of three. Or that the Indians were tired. Those are weak excuses. They got beat because the Athletics thoroughly outplayed them.

Now the Indians travel to Globe Life Park for four games against the AL West-leading Rangers. Two of the Tribe's starters are struggling Josh Tomlin (Thursday) and Danny Salazar (Sunday).

Startling reality: The Indians have not led by multiple runs at any point in a game since the fifth inning against the White Sox, Aug. 17. They led, 7-5, and lost, 10-7.

Here are the games since:

• Aug. 18 vs. White Sox (W, 5-4): Trailed, 3-1, after one inning and 4-2 after 6 1/2.
• Aug. 19 vs. Blue Jays (W, 3-2): Trailed, 2-0, after one inning.
• Aug. 20 vs. Blue Jays (L, 6-5): Trailed, 5-0, after three innings.
• Aug. 21 vs. Blue Jays (W, 3-2): Trailed, 2-0, after three innings.
• Aug. 22 at Athletics (W, 1-0): Scored in eighth inning.
• Aug. 23 at Athletics (L, 9-1): Trailed, 6-0, after five innings.
• Aug. 24 at Athletics (L, 5-1): Trailed, 5-0, after two innings.

Fast fact: The Tribe has not scored in the first five innings of any of their past four games.

Overmatched: Athletics starting pitchers dominated the Indians in the series. The trio of righty Andrew Triggs, lefty Sean Manaea and Graveman combined for the following line:

19 2/3 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 16 K (2-0, 0.92 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, .179 OPP AVG)

Interestingly enough, the Indians' runs against the Oakland starters came on homers by catchers.

On Tuesday night, Chris Gimenez took Manaea deep to left in the sixth inning (No. 4). On Wednesday, Roberto Perez drove Graveman's fastball over the right-field wall in the seventh (No. 1).

Offensive offense: Overall, the Tribe finished the series at 20-for-96 (.208) with five doubles, three homers and five walks. (On Monday, Carlos Santana homered off righty reliever Ryan Dull in the eighth inning.)

Tip of the cap -- sort of: Graveman, coming off a two-hit shutout of the White Sox in Chicago, deserves credit for another game well-pitched. He allowed six hits, walked two and struck out two. He constantly put Tribe batters on the defensive by working quickly and getting ahead. His sinker and cutter were formidable.

At the same time, the Indians assisted Graveman by failing to grind enough plate appearances and by taking too many bad swings.  

Strange start: Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer worked a 1-2-3 first inning in 14 pitches; allowed five runs -- three earned -- on four hits in a 42-pitch second; and gave up five hits in 55 pitches of the next 4 2/3.

Daymare: Here is a closer look at Bauer's second inning:

1. Khris Davis -- triple to right (2-1 fastball).

Skinny: Lonnie Chisenhall got too close to the wall, enabling Davis to turn a double into a triple after a long carom.

2. (L) Yonder Alonso -- walk.

Skinny: It turned out to be an enormous plate appearance in the game. Bauer thought he had Alonso struck out with a 2-2 comeback fastball to the inside edge, but umpire Alan Porter disagreed. FoxTrax supported Porter, but given Porter's inconsistency, Bauer easily could have gotten the call. Bauer threw a nasty 3-2 curve that would have struck out numerous batters, but Alonso somehow checked in time as it dived down and in.

3. Ryon Healy -- RBI single to left (0-1 curve). Alonso to second.

Skinny: Pitch stayed above the knees, and Healy put a good swing on it.

4. Brett Eibner -- grounder to first. Each runner advanced one base.

Skinny: First baseman Santana, moving to his left, made diving stop of softly hit ball with English.

5. (L) Max Muncy -- RBI single to center. Healy to third.

Skinny: Muncy connected off end of bat for bloop hit. Bauer made a quality 1-1 pitch.

6. Chad Pinder -- sacrifice fly to right.

Skinny: Chisenhall, moving to his left, made running catch of sinking liner.

7. Jake Smolinski -- single to right.

Skinny: Smolinski stayed compact and took what Bauer gave him in 3-2 count.

8. Danny Valencia -- pop to Santana/two-run error.

Skinny:  Earlier in the at-bat, Smolinski advanced to second on wild pitch -- a pitch that a catcher the caliber of Perez should have stopped. Valencia popped high between the pitcher's mound and first base, and Santana simply over-ran it.

9. (L) Stephen Vogt -- swinging strikeout.

"He's got time. We're not in a hurry to pull it off," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said Wednesday. "It'll come off. He's done a great job. The fact that he has low reps, that's what we're trying to do -- just make sure we can get him through the process and get him to the gate -- that's the most important thing right now."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- You like paying attention to when Ohio State freshmen have their black stripes removed. It's an indication of who's catching on quickly. 

But it works both ways. What about when a player takes a while to have his removed? There's a reasonable sense that something could be wrong.

So what the heck is going on with Nick Bosa? He still has it on. 

"He's got time. We're not in a hurry to pull it off," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said Wednesday. "It'll come off. He's done a great job. The fact that he has low reps, that's what we're trying to do, just make sure we can get him through the process and get him to the gate. That's the most important thing right now." 

Without that explanation, it really didn't make much since given Bosa is a former five-star prospect who Urban Meyer already said will definitely play as a freshman. The hype machine is also fed by the fact he's Joey Bosa's younger brother. 

But it makes sense that the reason Bosa still has it on is because he isn't taking the full amount of reps as Ohio State continues to be careful with him. Remember, Bosa is coming off a major knee injury that ended his high school career. 

There's a direct correlation between reps and having the stripe removed. 

"Yes," Johnson said. "Definitely."

Losing the black stripe is a tradition Meyer started at Ohio State that signifies a player has assimilated well into the program and has earned the right to be called a Buckeye.

Below is a list of this year's freshmen who have had theirs removed: 

Austin Mack, WR, March 31

Michael Jordan, OL, Aug. 7

Damon Arnette, CB, Aug. 13

Tuf Borland, LB, Aug. 13

Joe Burrow, QB, Aug. 13

Jonathon Cooper, DE, Aug. 13

Davon Hamilton, DT, Aug. 13

Joshua Norwood, CB, Aug. 13

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Aug. 17

Rodjay Burns, CB, Aug. 17

Binjimen Victor, WR, Aug. 18

Jordan Leasure, RB, Aug. 18

Joe Schroer, DL, Aug. 19

Demario McCall, RB, Aug. 20

Rashod Berry, DE, Aug. 20

Keandre Jones, LB, Aug. 22

Jordan Fuller, DB, Aug. 22

Joshua Alabi, DL, Aug. 22 

Tyler Durbin, K, Aug. 23

The former Buckeyes All-American and No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft continues his holdout, but Johnson doesn't think it will last. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Joey Bosa's holdout in San Diego took an ugly turn Wednesday when the Chargers went to great lengths to issue a statement explaining the team's side of the contract negotiations. The Chargers also then pulled their latest offer off the table.

That doesn't happen very often.

That wasn't a great sign for the former Ohio State All-American, who was taken with the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. One San Diego columnist wrote Wednesday that the latest round of negotiations makes it seem like Bosa doesn't want to be a Charger.

It certainly looks like the defensive end could wind up missing the start of the NFL season as he continues as the only unsigned first-round pick in the league. Some reporters have even theorized on the possibility of Bosa missing the entire year.

Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, a trusted friend of the Bosa family, said Wednesday when asked by cleveland.com that he doesn't believe it will come to that.

"I think he's going to play, I do," Johnson said. "I really believe he's going to camp and play."

Johnson said he has spoken with Bosa, and he said he spoke Wednesday with Bosa's father, John. The Bosa family has often spoken highly of Johnson, and Nick Bosa, Joey's younger brother, will play defensive line for the Buckeyes this season as a true freshman.

"He understands the business side of the NFL, but he wants to play," Johnson said of Joey. "He's dying to get on the field. ... He's doing everything he can to get ready."

If Bosa does get into camp late, does he have time to prepare and get ready to contribute as an NFL rookie? Watch the video at the top of this post to see Johnson's answer on that.

Corey Coleman is ready to make his debut against the Bucs, Cam Erving sprained his ankle, Joe Haden picked off Jameis Winston twice and other takeaways from the joint practices.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Browns practiced for two days in the steamy Florida heat against the Bucs and got some good work in against a team that they'll face Friday night in the third preseason game.

Joe Haden picked off Jameis Winston twice, Robert Griffin III developed more timing with his receivers, and Corey Coleman returned to practice from his tweaked hamstring. For the most part, the Browns emerged healthy, except for a sprained ankle on the part of Cam Erving.

Here are five takeaways from the two days of practices.

1. Coleman and his fellow skill players are "kind of scary''

When watching the Browns' offense, it's hard not to be dazzled by the likes of Coleman, Josh Gordon, Terrelle Pryor, Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson, who will all play together for the first time on Friday night.

"We have a lot of talent on the field,'' said Coleman. "It's kind of scary. So many guys can do different things. I'm just excited to see where we're going to go."

After missing so much practice, Coleman will have "up and down days, but he's going to be fine. There's no question in my mind about that,'' Hue Jackson said.

The issues with Coleman won't come from the limited route tree he ran at Baylor. It's more likely to be the complicated terminology.

"We carry a lot of different verbiage in our offense,'' said Jackson. "Sometimes players can get stuck that way, and that's what's expected. He has done a great job, and I'm looking forward to watching him on Friday night."

Griffin agreed that Coleman, who also might return punts Friday, will get better with time.

"It's just about attention to detail with Corey,'' he said. "You watch him get off the ball. It's extremely impressive to watch him run every route like it's a go route. That's what you want to show teams, show defenses and defenders that you have to defend every cut. Corey is an impressive young man. He has a great group of guys around him that are going to help him and steer him in the right direction to be successful in this league."

Coleman made some impressive catches in these two days, including one in which he hurdled a three-foot high snow fence bordering the practice field. The hamstring held up fine.

 "Yeah, I'm pretty good,'' he said.

Watch #Browns Corey Coleman hurdle the fence at the end of this video pic.twitter.com/A6gDkNkM2L

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2016

Jackson is eager to watch his Three Amigos for the first time.

"That sounds good,'' he said with a wide grin. "That sounds really good. I'm looking forward to that."

2. Another setback for center Cam Erving

Erving sprained his ankle in Tuesday's joint practice and then aggravated it Wednesday and went off with the trainer. Jackson said it's not believed to be serious and that he should play on Friday, but it's another setback for a player who needs all the work he can get. Erving already missed more than a week of camp with a left elbow injury and can't afford any more time off.

Erving is making good progress, but is struggling with his shotgun snap, and needs to practice and play. If he sits out Friday, or only plays a quarter or so, that's a blow for the offense. Erving needs to be able to help slide the protections and snap the ball with a defender bearing down on him. That kind of pressure doesn't take place on the practice field. As it is, he's going to be learning this position on the fly, because he only started five games at center in college and has barely snapped in the shotgun.

If for some reason Erving can't play, the Browns have a capable backup in John Greco, who played the position when Alex Mack went down in 2014. He would need to be replaced at right guard, but he's the next best thing to Erving.

"It's always in the back of my mind because that's been our plan the last few years and until I get told otherwise, that's still my plan,'' said Greco. "If it happens, I'll be ready. Obviously, we want Cam in there because he's our starting center."

Greco has been impressed with Erving's development.

"I like where Cam is at right now,'' said Greco. "He's a guy that's really worked hard and settled into that main position. He was getting bounced around last year. I'm really happy with the way he's kind of settled in and taken over as like the leader on the offensive line, the center, the signal-caller.

"With that being said, I'm sure if you asked him, he's still got a lot of work to do. We all do."

Greco feels for Erving with the snap issues.

"I know when I got plugged in I was like, man, just make sure the quarterback gets the ball,'' he said. "I know he's working on it and it's constantly on his mind but I think with reps and once we get going it will be second nature to him."

3. Joe Haden is heating up

Haden picked off Jameis Winston twice in team drills, once on Tuesday and once on Wednesday. He is just rounding back into shape from his ankle surgery in March, and the Browns need him to return to his Pro Bowl form as quickly as possible. Their other starting cornerback, Jamar Taylor, has started only nine games in three NFL seasons and will undoubtedly have some growing pains.

The Browns are trying to coax something out of Justin Gilbert, but it's slow going at this point. K'waun Williams, their starting nickel the last two years, is serving a two-week suspension and may not be back. The Browns also have two new safeties in Ibraheim Campbell and Jordan Poyer. So the sight of Haden getting his hands on two Winston passes were things of beauty for Jackson, who wants a takeaway a quarter.

"Keep getting them,'' said Jackson. "Please, keep getting them. We need to get our hands on the ball on defense. That's what it's all about. We have to take the ball away from the other team's offense and we have to keep it on offense."

4. Tramon Williams wants that starting job back, but is he in trouble?

Williams is 33 and making $6.2 million this year, $2.8 million guaranteed. In the world of Moneyball, that's a horrible combination. The Browns have unloaded most of their 30-plus, big-money players. Williams, who started 15 games for the Browns last season, is backing up Jamar Taylor, whom Jackson seems to love. Williams believes he'll have his job back before long.

Williams not ready to concede starting job

Will he have a job at all? Williams has talked to the Browns' brass and feels confident he'll be around. The demotion is not a good sign, but the Browns might not be able to do without him. They're already potentially without K'Waun Williams, and Gilbert isn't panning out as hoped. Perhaps the Browns will restructure his contract and try to keep him.

#Browns Tramon Williams on what he's going to do about Jamar Taylor starting in his place pic.twitter.com/EDYkERHEb1

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2016

5. Robert Griffin had a few hiccups but a good two days overall

On Tuesday, Griffin was picked off twice by Bucs first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves, once in team drills and once in 7-on-7s. But he settled down and protected the football on Wednesday. Griffin completed plenty of passes to Pryor, Gordon, Coleman and Barnidge.

Griffin continues to improve, go through his progressions and throw the ball away when necessary.

"He did some good things,'' said Jackson. "There were a couple that we'd like to have back. He knew where the ball was going. Just how to throw it in that situation, we'll work through that, but it's nothing glaring to me.

"He did a great job of just running the team, running our offense, understanding where the ball needs to go, when to get outside the pocket and throw the ball away, when to slide. All of it was on display. It has to be that way every day. That's what he has to chase every day to be a really good player for us."