Notes: Kevin Stefanski explains Dawand Jones, Cedric Tillman playing vs. Eagles

Left tackle Dawand Jones and receiver Cedric Tillman were the only projected starters to play Saturday in the 22-13 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia. Jones played 21 snaps and Tillman 16, catching one pass for 18 yards."Trying to be intentional about the specific players," coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday. "Ced missed a lot of time at the end of last season, so felt like he should get some work out there."Dawand, obviously playing left tackle has not had as much work as playing right tackle, so felt like he should get some work. And we'll continue to get work throughout these practices and the game. You're also getting a ton of work in those joint practices. So all of it is valuable and all of it is with the goal in mind of getting those guys ready for Sept. 7."Tillman missed the final six games last year after sustaining a concussion. He's expected to be the No. 2 wideout behind Pro Bowler Jerry Jeudy.Jones ended each of his first two seasons on injured reserve, then got in better shape this offseason. He's started only three games at left tackle in the NFL."Just feeling how fast it is on gameday," Jones told the Akron Beacon-Journal on Saturday. "Knowing that practice is a little bit different from games. So it was definitely good to get that."While the pair of third-year players saw action, four rookies didn't after playing sparingly in the preseason opener the previous week. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Dylan Sampson are expected to be key pieces Week 1 but watched from the sideline."Playing in the first game, the practice versus Carolina, the practices in Philly, felt like they got a lot of good work, a lot of plays," Stefanski said. "Were intentional about how many plays they got in Philly, knowing that would be the plan. But those are all guys that you'll see out there this week."The plan for the preseason finale Saturday vs. the Rams at Huntington Bank Field is to play the starters and key backups early.UNDECIDED?Stefanski wouldn't say if the team's committed to Dustin Hopkins being the kicker when the regular season arrives. The veteran is signed through 2027 but is coming off a bad year and has been shaky in limited opportunities in the preseason, including a missed extra point."Week 1 is coming soon enough," Stefanski said. "But all of our guys are doing a great job. Dustin's doing a great job. Excited for Andre (Szmyt) to make those kicks in that game. Bu, yeah, we'll save Week 1 for Week 1."Szmyt replaced Hopkins in the second quarter against the Eagles and made 49- and 33-yard field goals and an extra point."That was always the plan," Stefanski said of using both kickers. "Wanted to give Andre a good shot at some live game reps."Hopkins was robbed of his first extra point chance Saturday when the snap from Brent Matiscik was low and inside.DRESS REHEARSALNot only will Stefanski continue his tradition of playing his starters in the third preseason game, he'll use the regular-season schedule this week."We'll give the guys a normal game plan as you would getting ready for the game on Saturday," he said. "We'll treat each day like we would."Now, we will do more competitive periods than we would say in the regular season. So we'll do plenty of Browns versus Browns in practice as well as introducing carded periods where will be simulating the Rams offensive and defense. So big week for the football team."COMING ALONGReceiver Jamari Thrash, a fifth-round pick out of Louisville in 2024, continued his strong training camp with four catches for 43 yards against the Eagles. He seems like a lock to make the roster and could be part of the rotation."Jamari is a very dependable player," Stefanski said. "Gets open, catches the football. You know, the most important parts of the job he does. The quarterbacks have a lot of trust in him, and it was good to see him make those plays and make a couple extra yards out there."FUN MOMENTDefensive end K.J. Henry's 45-yard pick-six in the third quarter was the biggest play in the win Saturday. He was claimed July 23 at the start of camp after the Eagles waived him"That was pretty cool for him to have that moment in the football game," Stefanski said. "Really a good scheme fit, plays really hard, great length."I think that's a really, really strong group, but those guys just play so hard and that's really a lot of what our defense is built on."Henry is in a crowded battle at end for roster spots.The post Notes: Kevin Stefanski explains Dawand Jones, Cedric Tillman playing vs. Eagles first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.