Notes: Mike Hall Jr. set for season debut Sunday vs. Patriots

BEREA — The Browns' biggest strength is receiving a substantial boost.Cleveland's defensive line will be deeper and more versatile as tackle Mike Hall Jr. is finally scheduled to make his season debut against New England on Sunday. It's been a long, challenging road to recovery for Hall, who underwent two surgeries on his knee during the offseason.Hall's rookie year in 2024 ended in the finale with him being carted off the field in Baltimore with a torn medial collateral ligament and a dislocation.Man on the move: Myles Garrett relishes switching D-line positions to wreak havoc on QBs, offensesThe Browns have high hopes for the second-round pick from Ohio State and are excited to see how he can help the league's top-ranked defense."We're all very eager," Myles Garrett said Friday. "We know he's explosive. He loves the game. He eats, sleeps, talks the game. So he's been itching to go out there and prove himself. You can see him get back on track. He's worked hard to get back on the field. He's been taking his treatment very seriously, so I'm glad to see what he can do."Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Hall will suit up against the Patriots, adding his playing time will likely be limited."It's his first game, so obviously you want to be smart," Stefanski said. "We've talked about those things internally, but we'll see how the game goes."Hall had been expected to play last week against Miami after being listed as questionable for the first time this season. However, he was inactive for the seventh straight week as the Browns romped over the Dolphins 31-6.Grant Delpit doing a ton for top-ranked defense … and still wants to do moreThere were no limitations on Hall this week and Stefanski was pleased to be able to report that the 22-year-old is ready."He's worked very hard," Stefanski said. "It was a very serious injury that he's worked back from. He continued to take every single day and give it everything that he had, whether it was on the practice field or the weight room — you name it. He's been at this thing, and he's looked good."With Hall healthy, coordinator Jim Schwartz has more options up front and he'll be able to work him into the rotation behind starters Maliek Collins and rookie Mason Graham, who is excited about his teammate's delayed arrival."Looking forward to it," Graham said. "He's done all the right things. He's taken his own process, and I feel like it's his opportunity now."INJURY REPORTWith Hall back, the Browns are as healthy as they've been since Week 1.Tight end David Njoku (knee) is listed as questionable but could play after getting hurt Oct. 12 against the Steelers while making a catch. Njoku, who didn't play last week, wore a brace while being limited in practice this week. He wouldn't go into any details during Friday's open-locker-room period.** Right tackle Jack Conklin (concussion) will return following a one-game absence."Jack's played a lot of football for us, a lot of good football for us, so getting him back is a big deal," Stefanski said.Zone Coverage Podcast** Center Ethan Pocic (illness) practiced after missing Thursday.** Defensive tackle Adin Huntington (concussion) was limited in his return to practice but will be available if he clears protocol before the game.** The Patriots are also in pretty good shape, with backup safety Kyle Dugger (knee) listed as questionable.REELING IN A GREAT WHITEWith each sack, Garrett adds to his team record and climbs the NFL's charts.The next one moves him into more rarified air.Garrett needs a half-sack to match Hall of Famer Reggie White (108) for the most sacks by a player before turning 30. White finished with 198 career sacks before retiring in 2000. He died four years later at just 43.Garrett, who prides himself on being a historian of the game, said any comparisons to the great White are humbling."It's an honor, but it's something I don't think about right now," he said. "I'm just focused on us winning. You know, to be ranked and compared to some of the greats you have to win, and right now that's my sole focus. It's our sole focus as a team."Stefanski grew up an Eagles fan and White, who spent his first eight seasons with Philadelphia, was his favorite player.Stefanski smiled when asked if he was OK with Garrett, who turns 30 on Dec. 29, catching White."I'll allow it for this one," said Stefanski, reiterating his belief that Garrett is underrated. "What Myles does on a game-to-game basis, I don't think it gets enough notoriety, enough praise for what he's doing in the course of these games where he's being double- and triple-teamed. He's playing at a high level for us. He's done this for a bunch of years, and at his age, to be able to say where he stands among the greats is pretty impressive." The post Notes: Mike Hall Jr. set for season debut Sunday vs. Patriots first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.