Kevin Stefanski Outlines Browns Plans Against Eagles

Saturday, when Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke with the media to weigh in on Friday's game against the Washington Commanders, he also provided the plans for the team next week when they practice with and then play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the team's third preseason game.

The Browns will use their starters in the joint practices, but will rely on their depth players in the game, which all but confirms the Browns are done using their starters until September 10th when the team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals.

Controlled environments with quick whistles can help to prevent injuries. That's especially true in inside run and team periods. The risk is the occasional brawl that can break out. With the NFL unable to levy punishments in the forms of fines or suspensions, players are less afraid to vent their frustrations against the other team. That has its own risk of injury as well as the potential for the coaching staffs to simply end or cancel practice.

The game against the Eagles will allow players competing for roster spots to continue to get work, especially on special teams. Those reps are valuable in preseason contests, so the Browns will attempt to take full advantage.

Stefanski also noted the season-ending injury to linebacker Jacob Phillips, who tore his other pec in the game. Last year, he suffered the same injury on the other side, ending his season.

While he had no other specifics, Stefanski described the rest of the injuries as day to day. When pressed specifically on wide receiver Elijah Moore, Stefanski didn't rule him out from participating this week, which is good news.

Additionally, that could mean that corner A.J. Green III avoided serious injuries when he was ruled out with a shoulder injury. That would be a sigh of relief as it pertains to the team's corner depth.

The Eagles have a talented defense featuring a pair of young Georgia Bulldogs at defensive tackle in Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter that should be a worthwhile test against the Browns offensive line. Additionally, the Eagles hired Sean Desai as their defensive coordinator, a Vic Fangio disciple who the Browns interviewed before they hired Jim Schwartz.

There are a number of teams across the NFL who run that Fangio defensive system, so a couple days of experience against it could be valuable. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles have dynamic receiving threats and a terrific dual threat quarterback in Jalen Hurts behind a strong offensive line.

The Browns have added plenty of talent to the defensive line including the recent addition of Shelby Harris, so this is an opportunity to gel and gain some confidence against an NFC favorite.