NFL Notes: Browns, Rams, Steelers, Texans

Browns

Browns LT Joe Thomas told reporters on Wednesday that he believes Brock Osweiler will open the year as the team’s starting quarterback.

“I think they’re grooming Brock to be the starter week one,” Thomas said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I don’t expect DeShone Kizer to be the starter week one.”

Thomas explained that while rookie DeShone Kizer has flashed ability this summer, it doesn’t mean he’s ready to be the team’s starter in Week 1.

“Just because DeShone might be good in a few years doesn’t mean he’s ready now,’‘ said Thomas. “It would be asking a lot.”

Rams

• Rams GM Les Snead tells Sirius XM NFL Radio that “the Sammy Watkins trade talk started with the Bills in the Spring when they didn’t give him the fifth-year option.“
• Regarding Watkins’ injury history, Snead said: “Obviously, we did discuss injuries and what they were. When he has played games he has produced.” (Sirius XM NFL Radio)

Steelers

• Sources tell Mike Freeman of B/R reports that “not a single person” on the Steelers knows when franchise RB Le’Veon Bell will report to the team.
• In fact, Bell is reportedly returning texts from just a handle of people right now, but he’s still in contact with HC Mike Tomlin, according to Bryan DeArdo of 247Sports.

Texans

Texans HC Bill O’Brien referred to the quarterback battle between Tom Savage and Deshaun Watson as a “really good situation.”

“I think we have a really good situation,” O’Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. “Tom’s had a good camp. He’s thrown the ball well, and he’s done some good things. Deshaun’s had a good camp, too. It’s been very productive for both guys.”