CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call on Tuesday, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the status of Odell Beckham Jr., who missed the final nine games of the 2020 NFL season with a torn ACL.
And while Stefanski said that his star wide receiver is on track to make his return for the 2021 season, he also noted that he's not the only former LSU Tiger he could say that about.
Even before the 2020 campaign kicked off, Cleveland's secondary was dealt a blow with rookie safety Grant Delpit suffering a season-ending torn Achilles injury in training camp. Meanwhile, a preseason shoulder injury suffered by Greedy Williams never progressed to the point that the second-year cornerback was able to take the field.
According to Stefanski, Beckham, Delpit and Williams are each on track to make their expected returns to the field in 2021. Specifically, Stefanski emphasized the recovery of Williams, who started 12 games during his rookie season in 2019.
"[Beckham's] progressing very well, he's trending in the right direction. Really, Odell and Grant Delpit, I think they're all on the right track. I don't know the exact date that that is for all those guys, but I really like how they're progressing," Stefanski said.
"In particular, Greedy continues to get good news and I'm just so happy for that kid. He just battled his butt off in the rehab room for months and had a great attitude throughout and I'm just really happy for him as he keeps getting better and better. And he's got ways to go, but he's trending in the right direction."
Other highlights from Stefanski's press conference on Tuesday include:
- While Stefanski said that he's respectful of the decision of his players to boycott voluntary in-person workouts due to COVID-19 concerns, he admitted it would be his preference to coach them in person.
- Stefanski said that recently signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has the versatility to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. Stefanski called the three-time Pro Bowl selection a "disruptive" player.
- Stefanski emphasized that defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who was released last week, played a big role in the Browns' success in 2020. Stefanski said he was hopeful there would be a way to bring Richardson back in 2021.
- Stefanski said that he was happy with the collaboration the Browns' coaching staff and front office had during last year's draft, despite many of them being in different states. The Browns' staff will be inside the team's facility for next week's draft, but will be in separate rooms.