Defensive lineman Robaire Smith has take on the roll as the elder statesman. Smith will enter his 11th season this fall, and he has the most seniority among the Browns' defensive linemen. Ohio.com reporter Nate Ulrich writes how Smith has been there for the younger players, but Smith (and Shaun Rogers) could miss action due to suspension as a result of gun...
Robaire Smith Defensive lineman Robaire Smith has take on the roll as the elder statesman. Smith will enter his 11th season this fall, and he has the most seniority among the Browns' defensive linemen.
Ohio.com reporter Nate Ulrich writes how Smith has been there for the younger players, but Smith (and Shaun Rogers) could miss action due to suspension as a result of gun charges. Smith and Rogers, in separate incidents, were arrested in November and April, respectively, for toting a gun in a carry-on bag at an airport.
The status of both players remains one of the most important mysteries surrounding Browns training camp. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited the team's headquarters earlier this month, he said, ''Both cases are still under review from our staff.''
Rogers has not talked to reporters this summer. Smith has, but he won't say much about playing the waiting game.
''Right now, it's not in our hands,'' Smith said after the Browns practiced Thursday morning. ''But I don't really want to comment about the situation or nothing. I'm just gonna leave it at that.''
Blocking tight end
Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes about tight end Robert Royal, and how running back Jerome Harrison is pleased with his blocking ability.
Royal is so good that running back Jerome Harrison called him late in the night shortly after Harrison rushed for a franchise-high 286 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.
"I called Rob and had to thank him for the way he blocked that day," Harrison said after the morning practice Thursday, pausing on his way to the locker room when he saw Royal being interviewed. "Then I had to call him every week about two or three in the morning after that."
Royal remembers exactly what he told Harrison.
"It was good to finally hear some inspiring words for the rough season I had," Royal smiled and said as Harrison walked away. "It was kind of touching. I told him if he made me cry like that in front of my girl at the time I'd hurt him."
Second time around
First-year cornerback Joe Haden admitted he was nervous last week at Green Bay. He hopes to be up to speed from start to finish this weekend against St. Louis. Haden's confident he can catch on quickly Saturday night, writes Ohio.com's Nate Ulrich.
''Coach said he just wants us to improve from each preseason game, so I'm just [going to] try to get into a groove a little earlier than I did when we played the Packers,'' Haden said. ''[I want to] get comfortable, knock down some passes and intercept some passes early.''