AFC Notes: Browns, Patriots, Steelers

Browns

Browns HC Hue Jackson says that they had a “good visit” with free agent WR Dez Bryant but he didn’t add much beyond that.

“I think it was a good visit,” Jackson said, via Pro Football Talk. “At the same time, he is not on our team so I am going to worry about the guys who are here and coach the group that is here.”

Bryant did not spend time with QB Tyrod Taylor, who has publicly supported his signing.

“No, I did not [spend time with him],” Taylor said “By the time that we finished up for the day, we had a break and I believe that he was meeting with the coaches and Mr. Dorsey during our break time. By the time that we got to the hotel, I believe that they were somewhere else. I did not spend any time [with him].”

Mary Kay Cabot, citing a league source, is now reporting that Bryant is “no longer on the front burner” now that Josh Gordon has returned to the team.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN writes that Patriots WR Cordarrelle Patterson has “come as advertised” as the team’s primary kickoff returner and “gadget-type” receiver. Reiss adds that he is still unsure about the offensive role Patterson will earn this season.
• Reiss believes that the Patriots’ cornerback department still “needs improvement” since their backups did not solidify their spots in the lineup.
• Reiss points out that Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe are “locked in” as the two outside corners, while Jonathan Jones is slated to be the nickel corner.
• Regarding the three backup roles behind them, Reiss writes there is a “cluster” for playing time between Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, Ryan Lewis, Keion Crossen, Jomal Wiltz, and A.J. Moore.
• Regarding first-round RB Sony Michel, Reiss mentions the rookie had fluid drained from his knee and it is possible he misses a “significant portion” of the preseason.

Steelers

• Jeremy Fowler reports that Steelers TE Xavier Grimble underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his “thumb/wrist area” and the team is hopeful he returns by Week 1 of the regular season.
• Fowler adds that fellow Steelers TE Vance McDonald is dealing with a foot injury.