Saturday’s developments
• Pierre Desir practiced at safety with backups after spending the past two seasons at cornerback. “We like him. He’s long, talented, but maybe we might find a different area where he’s better suited to play,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said. “He has cover skills because he’s played corner quite a bit, but, boy, to see him go in there and play safety, too, is exciting to me because he gives us a different element back there.” Desir, a fourth-round pick in the 2014 draft, has started seven of the 19 games in which he has appeared and has 45 tackles and seven passes defensed.
• Robert Griffin III continued to take all of the first-team snaps at quarterback and Josh McCown worked with the second unit.
• Browns fans have gone 0-for-2 to start camp. The team closed Saturday’s practice to the public and moved it indoors because of inclement weather. Friday’s practice was also closed because of the weather. “It’s disappointing that we can’t get out on the grass in front of our fans, and I really feel bad,” Jackson said. “But it’s very important also that we always take our fans into account, especially when there’s as much rain that was predicted and the thunder and the lightning. Our organization is about making sure that everybody’s safe.”
• Running back Glenn Winston sent rookie linebacker Dominique Alexander to the ground with a stiff-arm.
• Offensive lineman Austin Pasztor, fullback Malcolm Johnson and wide receiver Marlon Moore returned to practice after leaving Friday’s session early. Pasztor worked at right guard with the first-team offense while starter John Greco (hamstring) remained idle.
• Running back Raheem Mostert took the first rep at kickoff returner, followed by cornerback Justin Gilbert and wide receiver Darius Jennings.
• Gilbert appeared to suffer an injury in a one-on-one drill pitting defensive backs against receivers, but he continued to practice.
• Outside linebacker Paul Kruger and left tackle Joe Thomas rested during practice. Cornerback Tramon Williams practiced but didn’t participate in team drills. “My whole goal is with some of our guys to make sure that I take care of them,” Jackson said. Cam Johnson practiced in Kruger’s spot. Dan France replaced Thomas. Jamar Taylor filled in for Williams.
• Other injuries: Wide receiver Josh Gordon (quadriceps), cornerback Joe Haden (ankle), offensive lineman Conor Boffeli (knee/ankle), tight end Seth DeValve (hamstring) and linebacker Jackson Jeffcoat (hamstring) didn’t practice.
• Sunday’s schedule: Practice is set to run from 3-5:30 p.m. It’ll be the first one in pads.
— Nate Ulrich