Cleveland Browns quick hits: Joe Haeg 'excited to get out there to work' with latest team

BEREA — Joe Haeg isn't necessarily an NFL journeyman. A seventh-year offensive lineman, Haeg hasn't spent his entire career in one spot, either.

There were four years with the Indianapolis Colts, followed by single seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers. So when Haeg was signed over the weekend by the Browns, it wasn't a completely new experience.

"It's always a challenge, but the main thing, priority one, is just getting the playbook going," Haeg told the Beacon Journal on Wednesday. "A lot of things I can relate to from my years of playing. There's some new concepts, but everywhere, there's always that. Just getting used to the new technique and stuff just so everyone's on the same page.

"So, yeah, it's a good challenge, but something I think I'm very capable of doing. Just excited to get out there to work."

If there has been a difference from previous experiences, it's been the timing of it all. When Haeg's moved previously, there's been a chance for him to get some reps in training camp with his new team.

This time, Haeg's coming on board as the Browns hit game week leading into Sunday's season opener at the Carolina Panthers. That's created a bit of an accelerated timetable for him to get up to speed.

"In training camp, that's really where you get into the meat of things, whether it's playbook-wise or technique," said Haeg, who was waived by the Steelers on cutdown day last week. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. A lot of the stuff that (offensive line coach Bill Callahan) teaches, I'm a big fan of that type of blocking. It'll be nice just to get out there and keep working every day and get a little closer each day."

Ethan Pocic can appreciate the transition Haeg is going through. Not necessarily the abbreviated transition timetable as much as just the transition in general.

Pocic went through the same transition to the Browns, only he did so during the offseason. A center, Pocic signed a one-year deal with the team after five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

"He's a pro and he's done a great job," Pocic said of Haeg. "You can tell he studies and he does all the things that he needs to do outside of this building. I would just say he's doing a great job."

Browns rookies gearing up for regular-season debut

Wide receiver David Bell and safety D'Anthony Bell don't just share the same last name. They also share the same feelings as the Browns rookies get ready for their NFL regular-season debuts.

"For me, it's been real exciting," D'Anthony Bell said. "I'm excited. Having that first game, it's super exciting. My whole family's going to be there, so I'm excited. Preparation's just been a lot more easier when you're excited about it."

The two Bells are among nine rookies the Browns have on the 53-man roster as they prepare for Sunday's season opener against the Panthers. David Bell is one of eight draft picks from April who are on the roster, and D'Anthony Bell is the first undrafted free agent to make the roster since General Manager Andrew Berry took over in 2020.

For every rookie, there's a matter of the game slowing down for them. The past month has allowed them to at least begin that process.

"I think that after each rep that I took and each rep that I take, I think it continued to slow down for me," David Bell said. "It's all about repetition. The more you do something, the more you're out there, the kind of easier it is to see things and get into your spots and stuff like that.

"It's took a little bit of time, but after I got those few preseason games out of the way, it slowed down a lot. I think the regular season may be the same way. It may take me a little bit, but I don't think it'll take me long to just start clicking again."

Jadeveon Clowney absent due to illness

The Browns had just one player on the pre-practice injury report on Wednesday. Jadeveon Clowney missed the workout due to an illness.

Clowney has been in and out of practice since the second joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 19. However, he was present for Monday's practice.

Coach Kevin Stefanski did not sound concerned about the illness being an issue for Sunday.

The first official injury report of the season came out Wednesday afternoon, with Jack Conklin (knee), Grant Delpit (hip), Greedy Williams (hamstring), Chase Winovich (limited) and Michael Woods II (hamstring) listed as limited. A.J. Green (hip), Ronnie Harrison Jr. (hamstring), Chris Hubbard (elbow) and Isaiah Thomas (hand) listed as full participants.

Tight end Giovanni Ricci (hip) was listed as limited on the Panthers' injury report. Kicker Eddie Pineiro (hip) was listed as a full participant.

Kevin Stefanski announces five as season-long team captains for the Cleveland Browns

Stefanski announced Wednesday the team had selected five individuals to be team captains. Joel Bitonio and Nick Chubb were chosen on offense, Myles Garrett and Anthony Walker Jr. on defense, and Charley Hughlett on special teams.

“I always think it’s a big deal when the team votes. When your teammates vote for you, I think that says a lot," Stefanski said. "I think those guys are all great leaders in their own way and will provide great leadership for the team."

It's the first time during Stefanski's tenure he's gone with season-long captains. Previously, it had been a game-by-game choice.

Jack Conklin still on pace to potentially play against Carolina Panthers

Stefanski reiterated a steady talking point with regards to Jack Conklin's availability at right tackle for the opener. He wouldn't say definitively that the two-time All-Pro would start Sunday, but he also said he's been progressing well.

"He's hitting all of the benchmarks and we'll continue to bring him along," Stefanski said.

Conklin suffered a torn patellar tendon against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 28. He did practice on Wednesday.

Kevin Stefanski will have the play-calling duties

Throughout the preseason, Stefanski has allowed multiple offensive coaches to handle the play-calling duties in games. Among those who have done so are offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing and receivers coach Chad O'Shea.

Now that the regular season has arrived, there's no doubting who'll be the one calling the plays. Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that he'll handle those duties during the games.

Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Joe Haeg making quick transition to Cleveland Browns offensive line