Cleveland Browns training camp day 15: Myles Garrett still absent with ill family member

BEREA − Myles Garrett missed his fourth consecutive practice on Thursday. The Browns All-Pro defensive end, though, could be back as soon as Friday.

Garrett has been out since Sunday with an excused absence. A league source confirmed he was with a gravely ill family member in Texas.

Cleveland.com was the first to report the reason for Garrett's absence.

The Browns conducted the first of two joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday afternoon. Garrett may be back for the second of those on Friday afternoon.

Coach Kevin Stefanski has been consistent throughout Garrett's absence in maintaining he has as much time as necessary to tend to his personal business.

Denzel Ward limited, Greg Newsome II out against Philadelphia Eagles

Denzel Ward took a step toward full participation in practice on Thursday. The Pro Bowl cornerback, who practiced for the first time all camp on Monday, added 7-on-7 drills to his workload against the Eagles.

Ward had strictly been limited to individual drills on Monday and Tuesday. Stefanski has already confirmed he, as with most of the starters, won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Ward's cornerback counterpart, Greg Newsome II, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. It would've been the fifth practice, counting a closed workout on Aug. 10, he has missed since the injury occurred on Aug. 9.

Defensive ends Isaiah Thomas (hand) and Chase Winovich (hamstring), as well as receiver Michael Woods II (hamstring), did not practice. Thomas has been out the past two practices. Winovich has been sidelined since Sunday and Woods since Aug. 5.

Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett absent to tend to sick family member