Freddie Kitchens discusses Duke Johnson's situation

Freddie Kitchens addressed the most pressing issue coming into minicamp, which is the status of Duke Johnson. Kitchens sent a clear message of what he thinks, what he expects of Duke Johnson should he play here in 2019 and is confident he would.

Cleveland Browns head coach was asked about Duke Johnson and took a pretty simple approach with it while seemingly trying to put out a fire that he didn't start. Not exactly the ideal situation for a rookie head coach in his first minicamp, but he handled it like a natural.

Kitchens supported the player while sending a strong message about the team and what he expects. In the case of Johnson, Kitchens basically said he's a Cleveland Brown and so long as that's the case, he expects him to act the part of a professional; something that he said Johnson has always done.

And as far as Kitchens is concerned, Johnson worked hard and had a great practice. His feelings are his feelings, but so long as he's a member of his team, he expects him to act the part and make his team better. The fact Kitchens was his running backs coach last year and does have a relationship with him might help for the time being.

None of this actually addresses what will or won't happen with Johnson, but it certainly seems as though Kitchens is more than equipped to have Johnson on his team for this season if that is indeed the way the Browns decide to go. And