Editor's note: Tony Grossi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR.
Takeaways from Browns’ practice and interview sessions …
1. Pryor talks begin: Every week it seems an opposing coach comments on how impressive Terrelle Pryor looks at wide receiver and laments on not signing him a year ago when he was a free agent. It should surprise no one, therefore, that the Browns have begun exploring the process of securing Pryor to a long-term contract. A source said talks are “very preliminary.” The source would not characterize the process beyond that. But at least they have started. According to Spotrac, a Web site that tracks the salary structures of professional teams, the Browns lead the NFL with more than $48 million in cap room. The Browns have eight players in the last years of their contracts and eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2016 season. Pryor should be the top priority. He leads the Browns with 33 receptions for 413 yards and four touchdowns – including one running the ball. Pryor has carried the ball eight times for 21 yards as a Wildcat quarterback, and also has completed 5 of 9 passes. Pryor has expressed the desire to continue his career with the Browns and coach Hue Jackson, who oversaw his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. The other Browns eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season are: punter Britton Colquitt, guard Jonathan Cooper, linebacker Corey Lemonier, defensive tackle Stephen Paea, safety Jordan Poyer, right tackle Austin Pasztor and cornerback Jamar Taylor.
2. Soft tissue tussles: Neither Pryor (hamstring) nor cornerback Joe Haden (groin) practiced for a second day in a row. Nonetheless, Jackson said he was still holding out hope that each would be available Sunday in Cincinnati. Friday will be the deciding day for both. Jackson said he intended to run both of them hard and if either can’t make it through the workout, he won’t play. Haden has missed two games (Miami, Tennessee) with separate groin injuries. When the second one occurred at last Thursday’s practice, Haden said Jackson was there to see it and he said to Jackson, “’I can’t make this up.’ It’s very, very, very, very frustrating. Especially when we’re 0-6 and have a young team, and a bunch of guys I know look at me as a leader. This is when you need your leaders the most. It’s just frustrating.” Haden missed 11 of the last 13 games last season with finger, rib and concussion injuries. So now he has missed 13 of the last 19 games. He said he is not worried about the season slipping away from him. “These are minor things that I’m going to get fixed and write my 2016 season how I want it to play out,” Headen said. “I feel I still have a lot of time, 10 games ahead. We’ve still only played one division game. I feel I can still make this a successful season.”
3. Hollywood ready: Pryor’s absence from practice has given rookie Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins more reps. Jackson said he anticipates Higgins getting more snaps in Sunday’s game, too. “Obviously, we’ll see more of Rashard this week,” Jackson said. “Been dying to do that. We need to do that better.” Higgins said he is up for it. “I feel like it’s my time to step up. Coach is putting me in the fire. He believes in me and I’m going to get the job done. He drafted me for a reason. Obviously he sees potential in me. I’m the man for the job,” said Higgins, not lacking confidence.