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5 things: Josh McCown cleared, but Browns will evaluate QB in practice first

The Browns got back to work Wednesday with a home game against the New York Jets set for Sunday.

Here's five things to know:

1. Josh McCown cleared to play

Josh McCown has been cleared to play, Jackson said. That's good news for a Browns team that has had to deal with injuries and just plain bad luck at the position.

But Jackson and Co. won't name a starter against the Jets this weekend until later in the week.

"It's called practice. He's gonna go practice and see where we are," Jackson said. "Things change as you guys know as we go through the week. We'll see how things go through the week."

The Browns have had to play six quarterbacks in seven games after Cody Kessler suffered a concussion in a loss to the Bengals this past weekend. The rookie remains in the league's concussion protocol. [

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McCown's return, of course, is a welcomed one. The veteran passed for 260 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Ravens in Week 2.

"I like any of our quarterbacks if they have a chance to play," Jackson said, laughing. "Again, what he did way back then was a long time ago and that's why I keep saying we've got to work in practice and see where we are. He's a veteran player and knows how to play and knows our system … will it be a boost? It's a boost to have any of our quarterbacks playing right now. We'll know more toward the end of the week here."

2. 'I really want to be here'

With the league's trade deadline next week, Jackson made it clear the Browns aren't interested in trading left tackle Joe Thomas.  

"It feels good to be loved," Thomas said, laughing. "I really want to be here. It is important for me to be here for the turn around."

Thomas on Wednesday outlined his desire to remain in Cleveland, where he's spent the past nine seasons.

"I am a goal-setter. I am the kind of guy that is very goal-oriented. To me, doing the things you say you are going to do is important. When I first got here, my goal was to make the playoffs and to be a part of turning the Browns around into a consistent winner," he said.

"We haven't done that yet so, my mission is not yet complete here. I really respect the coaching staff. I think (Owner) Jimmy (Haslam) got it right this time by hiring Hue (Jackson) and his staff. I think that the pieces are here; it will just take a little bit of time."

3. On the mend

In addition to McCown, the Browns could be in store for some good news on the injury front as rookie receiver Corey Coleman returned to action in limited fashion for the first time since breaking his hand last month.

"He's getting closer," Jackson said of Coleman. "He ran around and did some things and had shoulder pads on and did some football. We'll know more on these guys as we get through the week but it's good just to have him out there running around again and just being with his teammates."

Jackson said it's unlikely Coleman, however, will be ready to play Sunday against the Jets. "But you never know about these things," he said. "Again, we're going to see it all as we get closer through the week."

4. Cleveland's big night

The eyes of the sports world were locked on the shores of Lake Erie on Tuesday night. The Cleveland Indians took down the Cubs, 6-0, in Game 1 of the World Series while the defending NBA Champion Cavaliers rolled past the Knicks and received their championship rings.

"I've got to give a shout out to the Indians. What a great win last night, huh? Starting this thing off the right way … Hopefully they can go do it again tonight," Jackson said.

"I know the city's electric right now and a lot of people are very excited about what they're accomplishing and I hope they know that our team's behind them all the way, rooting for them all the time. Rooting hard. Some guys were rallying and rooting hard last night, up late last night while working hard, that's for sure." ​

5. Erving, Haden, Pryor practice

Browns center Cam Erving was a full participant in Wednesday's practice after missing the second half of the Bengals game because of an undisclosed illness.

Jackson said Erving's presence at practice was a bit of good news for an offensive line hampered by injuries this season.

"Absolutely. He is one of our starting players. It is very encouraging," Jackson said. "Our medical staff has done a good job. He has, too. He is back out there, and we will continue to monitor where he is, but I think he is doing fine."

Erving returned two weeks ago after missing time with a bruised lung.

Also at practice in limited fashion were wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (hamstring) and cornerback Joe Haden (groin), who has missed three games this season because of injuries.

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