Emmanuel

Stephens

“I was so happy with Emmanuel, and how hard he plays,” Jauron said. The Browns also want to bring back 33-year-old OLB Scott Fujita, who Jauron says is the “definition of a pro” and “clearly a guy that takes care of himself.”

Mitchell got out of the gates hot with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the Browns’ first three games, but he’s been a non-factor ever since. At 6-foot-3, 255, Stephens more fits the profile of a weak-side rusher than Mitchell (6'6/285). Stephens, however, doesn’t have a sack on the year. The Browns will need to find another edge pass rusher in the offseason.

Any time someone is slated to miss “significant time,” they’re a good bet to be placed on injured reserve this late in the year. Jayme Mitchell should fill in at right end against the Ravens provided he’s over his ankle injury. Stephens replaced Mitchell as the Browns’ starting right end in Week 11.

Stephens recorded 17 tackles in 11 games after being claimed off waivers from the Falcons in September. Jayme Mitchell will likely move back into the starting lineup if he can return from his ankle injury this week. Already a dream matchup for opposing running backs, the Browns are down two key starters heading into a matchup with Ray Rice.

Stephens did not return. He was replaced by Auston English.

“We had to focus on getting some guys that can play defensive line,” said Shurmur. “With (Ahtyba) Rubin, (Phil) Taylor and (Jabaal) Sheard, we think we solidified those three spots pretty well.” Jayme Mitchell and Emmanuel Sanders, who manned right end in 2011, are better utilized as rotational ends.

Jackson should be back to full health, allowing him to compete with Montario Hardesty to be Trent Richardson’s primary backup. TE Alex Smith (shoulder), SS T.J. Ward (foot), DE Emmanuel Stephens (strained pectoral), and P Reggie Hodges (Achilles) also returned to practice.

Stephens never returned to the game last week after sustaining a neck injury in the first half. A rotational end, Stephens had been the Browns’ most productive per-play pass rusher this season. They need Jabaal Sheard to step up in the second half.

Quick off the edge, Stephens impressed Falcons observers in practices last season and preseason action this year. He could be used as a rotational end in Dick Jauron’s 4-3 scheme.