Browns notes: Team will recognize Modell

BEREA — The Browns will remember Art Modell on Sunday at the season opener. The organization is worried about the possible reaction from fans at Cleveland Browns Stadium, but felt compelled to do something.
Modell died Thursday at age 87. He owned the team from 1961-95, when he moved it to Baltimore.
Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said the team hadn’t finalized its plans for the remembrance, but it will be an “appropriate recognition.” It’s likely to be handled before the game.
Gulkis said the decision was made by the Browns, but the NFL asked each home team this weekend to observe a moment of silence or another gesture in memory of Modell.
He remains the No. 1 villain among Northeast Ohio sports fans. Cleveland was given an expansion franchise and returned to the NFL in 1999. The Browns’ front office is trying to “strike the right balance” between recognizing Modell for his time here and long service to the NFL and the hard feelings that remain among their fans.
“We want to show respect and dignity for Modell’s family, our fans and the community,” Gulkis said.
Modell’s funeral has been scheduled for Tuesday morning at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. A silent viewing and fan tribute to Modell is being held today at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Richardson looks ready
Rookie running back Trent Richardson appears set to start the opener after missing the entire preseason following knee surgery Aug. 9. He was limited all week in practice and listed as questionable on the injury report but took snaps with the first team and came through Thursday’s padded practice in good shape.
“He had a great day,” coach Pat Shurmur said, “and he did (Friday) what I expected.”
Shurmur has maintained for the last couple of weeks that he expects Richardson to play, but Richardson is waiting for the official go-ahead.
“I’m ready to go,” he said. “I can’t wait (to) get the answer from Coach to tell me if I’m gonna play Sunday or not. Whatever it is, I’m gonna be happy with it. I know Coach knows best.”
Richardson said it was a big relief the knee responded the way it has in practice.
“It’s something watching it but when you actually start doing it, that’s when you really find out,” he said.
Fullback Owen Marecic has been impressed with Richardson’s quick return to form.
“He’s running with a lot of power,” he said. “It’s been fun to watch the tape, and for how long he’s been out, his steps are good, his protection’s pretty solid, so it’s impressive that he’s right up top after so much time being out. It’s been exciting to see him back.”
Haden looking forward
Cornerback Joe Haden will start against the Eagles as he continues to await a ruling on his appeal of a four-game suspension for failing an offseason drug test.
He said he’ll be relieved to get on the field after all the uncertainty of the last month.
“Yeah, it’d be nice,” he said. “When I’m on the football field, (you) just get away from everything else.”
The NFL could finalize the suspension — or overturn it — at any time, so Haden never knows what his day will bring. But he’s tried to stay focus as he prepares for the Eagles and quarterback Michael Vick.
“To me it’s a normal week,” he said. “I’m just going about it every day, meetings, everything.”
Vick was Haden’s favorite player growing up.
“I had the jersey, the shoes, everything,” he said. “I was a legit fan.”
Hagg’s tag
Second-year free safety Eric Hagg is eager to experience his first opening day in the NFL. He will also make his first start.
“It’s going to be super-exciting,” he said.
But he doesn’t want to get caught up in the pageantry, which usually includes a flyover.
“To me, honestly, I try not to pay attention to all that, get ready for the game, go over my keys,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting for sure.”
Hagg, a seventh-round pick, missed the first six games last season following knee surgery. He returned to play 10 games as a backup.
He was installed as the starter at the beginning of offseason practices and hasn’t relinquished the job. He was listed as probable after not practicing Monday with the stomach flu.
Injury report
Offensive lineman John Greco (calf) returned to practice in a limited role, while lineman Oniel Cousins sat out again. Cousins is doubtful and Greco questionable.
If Greco can play Sunday, he and rookie sixth-rounder Ryan Miller would be the available backups. If Greco can’t go, the Browns would likely have to activate Jarrod Shaw from the practice squad.
l Rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson (ribs/oblique), a fourth-round pick, was ruled out for Sunday.
l Tight end Jordan Cameron (groin), tight end Benjamin Watson (thigh), No. 3 quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (right thumb) and running back Chris Ogbonnaya (ankle) were listed as questionable. Cameron and Watson are expected to play.
l Nickelback Dimitri Patterson (knee), safety Bubba Ventrone (hamstring) and safety Usama Young (thigh) were probable.
l For the Eagles, running back Dion Lewis (hamstring) was questionable. Defensive end Jason Babin (calf), safety Nate Allen (hamstring) and tackle Nate Menkin (shoulder) were among the probables.
Extra points
Rookie sixth-round pick Billy Winn is expected to start at defensive tackle next to Ahtyba Rubin. Third-round rookie John Hughes will rotate in.
l Fans are encouraged to arrive at the game early to allow time for the enhanced security measures that include the use of handled metal detectors.
l Quarterback Bernie Kosar (1985-93) and receiver Webster Slaughter (1986-91) will serve as honorary captains.
l The Browns and WKYC-TV (Channel 3) agreed on a four-year contract extension to continue broadcasting the preseason games.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253
or spetrak@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.