AFC North Notes: Kareem Hunt, Browns, Ravens

Kareem Hunt

• Browns RB Kareem Hunt told reporters on Monday that he’ll take it day-by-day on whether he plays in the preseason opener Thursday. Hunt is recovering from a groin injury. (Nate Ulrich)
• According to Hunt, he hasn’t heard from the NFL on if he will be allowed to stay with the team during his eight-game suspension. (Ulrich)
• Hunt called an incident outside a bar in late June “a misunderstanding” and said he’s thankful the Browns supported him. (Ulrich)

Browns

Browns DE Myles Garrett says he’s dropped a little bit of weight heading into 2019. Garrett went from 272 pounds to 262 pounds as he tweaks his game to become even more of a star pass rusher. 

“My body fat’s a little bit down, my weight’s a little bit down but I’m feeling lighter on my toes and a little bit faster, fast like I was in college,” Garrett said via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “I just felt like I needed my old speed back and I just tried to keep the strength that I had the last two years and see if I could combine that and see if there’d be a frightening mix.”

• ESPN’s Tony Grossi noted Browns G Eric Kush started at right guard for the second straight practice, which is the first time that’s happened all camp. 
• According to BrownsZone.com’s Scott Petrak, no one has distinguished themselves in the competition to start at right guard. 
• Petrak says Austin Corbett would be his prediction as the eventual winner ahead of Kush and Kyle Kalis given his second-round draft status. 
• Petrak mentions fourth-round LB Mack Wilson has been standing out because of his athleticism, though he’ll likely work primarily on special teams as a rookie. 
• Petrak notes LB Genard Avery‘s return to the sideline, though he’s still being held out of practice, was a positive indication for his regular-season availability. 
• Browns WR Jaelen Strong says he feels “stronger than ever” following ACL surgery in January. (Ulrich)
• Browns HC Freddie Kitchens told reporters that going forward any coach who shares inside info with the media would be fired. (Ulrich)

Ravens

• With the trade of G Alex Lewis, the competition for the Ravens’ starting left guard comes down to Jermaine Eluemunor, fourth-round rookie Ben Powers or James Hurst, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
• Eluemunor has had the first crack at the job, as Baltimore prefers to keep Hurst at tackle, but he’s had a rough start to training camp. (Jeff Zrebiec)