Story by
Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason game: 3 storylines and 3 players to watch
- Story by
- Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason game: 3 storylines and 3 players to watch
BEREA — The Browns' time with the Minnesota Vikings in town ends Saturday afternoon with a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. However, there's likely to be a number of players involved who will be on neither team by the time the regular season begins.
The two joint practices between the teams on Wednesday and Thursday provided ample opportunity for both teams' primary players to get their work in against a different opponent. That leaves Saturday's game for a number of players still trying to lock up a roster spot to get in their own work.
Advertisement
While the game will lack almost any star power, there will be reasons why it has some impact. Most of that is, as stated before, involved in the myriad of questions about some younger players and what futures they may have.
Here's a look at some of the storylines, as well as some of the players, to watch in the Browns' second preseason game:
3 storylines in Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason game
Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. Tyler Huntley for the No. 3 quarterback
Cleveland Browns guard Zak Zinter (70) blocks Green Bay Packers defensive end Spencer Waege (64) as Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) passes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Saturday's games will almost exclusively be in the hands of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley when it comes to quarterbacking the Browns. That should give both players plenty of chances to make their cases for who will end up being the No. 3 quarterback when the dust settles.
Advertisement
Both had some good moments during the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Thompson-Robinson, who handled the entire second half, was a solid 14-of-18 passing for 134 yards and a touchdown, building off what has been a strong training camp for the second-year pro.
Huntley came on in the first quarter against Packers after Jameis Winston's opening drive. The former Baltimore Ravens backup wasn't bad at all, going 6-of-9 passing for 41 yards, with another 13 yards on two rushing attempts.
Even if one or the other doesn't end up being the No. 3 in Cleveland, the game can be another showcase for other teams looking for a quarterback. A trade similar to what the Browns did with Joshua Dobbs at the end of training camp, right before their third preseason game, wouldn't be a surprise.
Young defensive players get stage alone to grab attention
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) catches his breath between plays during a preseason game Aug. 10 in Cleveland.
The "positive" side of the injuries the Browns have sustained during training camp has been the openings it has provided some promising young players, especially on defense. Saturday's game is going to give a whole lot of them a lot more chances to impress.
Advertisement
The defense is the side of the ball where there could be opportunity for young players to steal reps depending on the amount of time the veterans are out. That is, if the young player is available to play themselves.
A couple of youngsters who had shown training camp promise have had issues arise that may limit their availability against the Vikings. Sixth-round linebacker Nathanial "Bookie" Watson was injured in the Packers game, which may prevent him from making a push to grab a roster spot at a position that has been decimated by injuries in camp.
Then there's the Mike Hall Jr. situation. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has, in a variety of ways, said they're letting the "process play out" regarding the rookie defensive tackle's domestic violence case, but a stinger sustained in Wednesday's joint practice could force their hand regarding playing time in the game.
Beyond those two? Keep reading to see a couple of other players who could be front and center against Minnesota.
Advertisement
How about a second chance to get a look at the new kickoff rule?
Cleveland Browns place kicker Cade York (36) warms up before an NFL preseason football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
The first chance for the Browns and their fans to really see the new kickoff rule in execution turned into a dud. Two of the three kickoffs by Cade York ended up in the end zone for touchbacks, and even the five Green Bay kickoffs were only returned for an average of 24.4 yards.
So, how about another crack at it? Although even this one's not going to give the perfect look.
Why is that, you ask? Well, the fact the game's being played but a whole lot of players who won't be on either team's opening day rosters means it's not going to be the best version.
Advertisement
There's also the reality that this new rule clearly will be something that will require weeks and weeks of data points before any kind of opinion can really be formed. So two preseason games in which neither special teams coordinator is showing his hand won't be enough evidence.
3 players to watch in Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason game
Jamari Thrash, wide receiver
The fifth-round pick out of the University of Louisville had been up and down during the first two weeks of camp due some drops. His first chance to get "under the lights" in a live game, though, showed why the Browns found the 6-foot, 190-pound Thrash intriguing. He had three catches for 41 yards, all on one drive that reached the Packers 11. On the drive, one saw his ability to find the holes in the defense and make himself available, as well as his ability to run after the catch.
Advertisement
Siaki Ika, defensive tackle
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during practice Aug. 4 at the Browns training facility in Berea.
The Browns' second third-round pick in the 2023 draft may be at a crossroads already. His rookie season was spent basically on the inactive list until the injury list was so long in December he had to play. This season, Ika reported to camp looking like the year spent in an NFL strength and conditioning system had paid real dividends. However, he's still struggled to gain traction in the defensive tackle rotation with the first unit. In fact, a player like Sam Kamara, who has primarily been an end previously, has even outshined Ika this camp. Saturday is Ika's chance to reestablish himself.
Myles Harden, cornerback
Harden may be, among the rookies, the camp star. The seventh-round pick out the University of South Dakota has been outstanding almost from the first day. He's taken advantage of some injuries at cornerback to use the extra reps to make those watching take notice. The joint practices with Minnesota only confirmed what the first 12 camp days had already shown. Now, he could really take a step forward with a strong game Saturday.
Advertisement
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns-Vikings preseason game: 3 storylines, 3 players to watch
