AFC Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

• Per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal, Browns G Joel Bitonio isn’t sure where C J.C. Tretter is physically but he’s confident he won’t miss a beat mentally when he comes back: “He’s been pushing himself, he’s here every day just trying to get back and be ready for Week 1.”
• Browns HC Kevin Stefanski says they’ll probably have to wait and see what happens next week to determine if Tretter can return in time for Week 1 against the Ravens. (Scott Petrak)
• Bitonio likes what Browns G Wyatt Teller has done in the competition to start on the right side: “I think he’s done a great job of putting himself in position to be successful this year.” (Ulrich)
• Browns DE Myles Garrett (wrist) and CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) are both “day-to-day” according to Stefanski. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Browns fourth-round TE Harrison Bryant was voted by the local media as the team’s most outstanding rookie during camp. (Ulrich)

Ravens

• Based off training camp, the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec says the Ravens defensive line and receiving corps look like they’re much improved. 
• Zrebiec adds second-round RB J.K. Dobbins has looked capable as a runner, receiver and blocker and the only question is how many touches he’ll get behind Mark Ingram.
• On the flip side, the Ravens still haven’t figured out who exactly will start at center or right guard. 
• Zrebiec points out the Ravens have already cut 2019 fifth-round DL Daylon Mack and could move on from fourth-round RB Justice Hill, fourth-round G Ben Powers and sixth-round QB Trace McSorley after just a year. 
• Ravens HC John Harbaugh praised Dobbins’ confidence and coachability and said the rookie will have a “significant” role this year. (Jamison Hensley)
• Harbaugh noted third-round DT Justin Madubuike is more week-to-week than day-to-day with his injury but he doesn’t anticipate him being out too long. (Zrebiec)

Steelers

Steelers OLB Bud Dupree is one of a number of Pittsburgh players entering the final year of their deal, which raises questions about their long-term future with the team given the Steelers’ policy of not negotiating during the season. Dupree is playing on the franchise tag and seems well aware of the fact that if he has another good season, he’ll have his pick of destinations next spring. 

“It’s bittersweet, but it’s also a blessing to be able to get to this point of my career and still be here, be in this position I am today,” Dupree said via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’m in the driver’s seat of my career right now. I’ll go out and play the best I can play and everything will be in place at the end of the year. I’ll be able to control my own destiny.”

• The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly says the Steelers’ pass-catching corps of WRs JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington and Chase Claypool, plus TE Eric Ebron, finally showed some of their potential in practice Monday. 
• Kaboly adds Steelers fourth-round G Kevin Dotson has been impressive recently in one-on-one drills after coming back from a knee injury scare. Kaboly wonders if Dotson could have pushed harder for a starting job had he had a full offseason and camp. 
• Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said G David DeCastro suffered a lower-body injury and he’s hopeful the veteran will be able to return soon.