It was a busy day in Berea as the Browns made their first round of roster cuts Monday morning, parting ways with a handful of players, including veteran outside linebacker Paul Kruger.
"Let me say this about anybody that we let go: We let people go because there's a performance that we want … and I think when you let players go now, you give them a chance to catch on at other places," coach Hue Jackson said, "so I think the respectful thing to do if you don't see a guy having the potential to make your team, I think the right thing to do is to move forward and move on and I think that's what we've done."
With the roster trimmed to 75 players, Jackson said the Browns' focus is on preparing for their final preseason game against the Bears and getting the most out of the players still here.
"What we're going to do is keep working, as I've said before, and we know we have a lot of work to do," Jackson said, "and I think that's what our focus is and to really coach the guys that are here and get these guys better."
Here are four more things to know from Monday's practice.
Replacing Kruger
Parting ways with Kruger, of course, means the Browns will have to replace a three-year starter at outside linebacker. And while that's something Jackson and the coaching staff don't take lightly, they're confident in the likes of Nate Orchard, Emmanuel Ogbah and Joe Schobert among others.
"Obviously we've got some young guys … so we'll work through it with those guys," Jackson said. "We've gotta coach what we have and get those guys to play as well as they can play so, again, like I said, I don't want to elaborate on decisions that were made by our staff. We're just going to move forward and coach what we have here and get these guys better."
Jackson added the Browns hope to settle on a first-team unit at the position group in the near future.
"We've got to put them out there and let play," he said, "and then coach the heck out of them and all of them and give them a chance to have success."
Ogbah comfortable at outside linebacker
Speaking of Ogbah, Jackson said he doesn't anticipate any issues with Ogbah moving back to outside linebacker after spending the last month at defensive end.
"I think he'll be fine," Jackson said, "I think it gets down to what we're asking him to do at that position."
Ogbah, whom the Browns drafted in an effort to bolster their pass rush, said he's ready to do whatever the coaching staff asks of him. "They drafted me as a versatile player," he said, "so I'm just ready to do what they ask."
Jackson said defensive coordinator Ray Horton will ensure the rushing outside linebacker position fits the team's personnel. "I think Ray's done a great job of evaluating what the characteristics now are going to take to play out there," he said. "Obviously we'll have to do some things differently but we feel very comfortable with the guys that we have there."
Murray 'honored' to be Browns kicker
Jackson said the Browns will move forward with Patrick Murray as their kicker after parting ways with Travis Coons on Monday morning.
Murray, who is 2-for-2 this preseason with a long of 46 yards, said "it's an honor to represent this organization and this city. It's an honor to play for the Cleveland Browns, and I'm just really looking forward to continuing in representing this organization well."
Before coming to Cleveland, Murray put together an impressive rookie season with the Buccaneers, where he knocked 20-of-24 field goal attempts (including five from 50-plus yards out) and made all 21 of his PATs in 2014.
Murray missed last season with a knee injury and joined the Browns this summer.
"There was never a doubt in my mind that I can continue to play at this level. I was very fortunate to have an amazing support system around me helping me through that process," he said. "I guess it makes it that much sweeter to come back."
Jackson on Mingo trade
After dealing outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo last week to the New England Patriots, Jackson outlined the Browns' decision to do so, saying it was the best move for all parties involved.
"Some things weren't happening for him and I understand that and he's a tremendous young man. And I really enjoyed my time with him, but we didn't see a fit for him, we tried to move him in a lot of different spots, he played outside backer, we moved him inside and it's unfortunate it just didn't work," he said.
"And so again, it was an opportunity for him to be in a better situation and an opportunity for us to get better, too. I think it was the best opportunity for both involved."
