BEREA, Ohio _ Starting defensive end Olivier Vernon will likely miss his second consecutive game with a knee injury when the Browns (3-6) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) on "Thursday Night Football."
Coach Freddie Kitchens was asked Tuesday whether he's optimistic Vernon will be able to give the Browns something in Thursday's game.
"I wouldn't say I'm optimistic," Kitchens replied. "I'm just kind of just waiting to see. We don't really know. Hopefully he wakes up feeling great."
The Browns only allowed media to view stretching during Tuesday's practice, which was held in the team's field house.
Vernon and backup safety Eric Murray (knee) were not on the field, but backup tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (knee) was there. All three players were inactive in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Kitchens said Murray would not play Thursday. Kitchens said whether Seals-Jones faces the Steelers would be a game-time decision.
Defensive end Chad Thomas filled in for Vernon versus the Bills and logged 54 of 69 snaps (78 percent) in his first career start. Thomas had two tackles, including a sack.
