Punt returns have been a bit of an adventure for the Cleveland Browns this season. Through five games, the team has tried out three different return men and gained 60 yards on just six returns. That includes the ill-fated Odell Beckham Jr. attempt in Week 5.
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer knows his group needs some stability and better production.
In his press conference during the week, Priefer acknowledged that Jarvis Landry still projects as the primary return option. He noted of Landry,
“He is probably the primary guy.”
But Priefer then quickly listed off other options.
Obviously, we used Odell (Beckham) the other night to try and provide a spark for us. Dontrell Hilliard and D’Ernest Johnson, we have a bunch of different options back there. Depending on the time of game, who is fresh and who is ready to roll because they are all being trained to do it like they have been since the spring. We just have to make sure that we have the right guy out there at the right spot.”
As for Antonio Callaway? Priefer says they are working to get him back up to speed.
“We are working him in there.,” Priefer said of Callaway. “Yes, it was a first week back last week and he caught a few last week. He caught even more yesterday. He will be integrated into our punt return group as soon as he is ready.”
Callaway got five punt return attempts as a rookie in 2018, averaging 12.2 yards per return. He also got eight reps as a kick returner.
