Garrett plans big impression
BEREA, Ohio — Myles Garrett won’t be satisfied with just sacks or de-cleating a running back.
For his first NFL exhibition, Cleveland’s rookie wants to make sure the Saints remember him — and that the rest of the league takes notice.
“They don’t have much film to go off of, at least not of me now, and they don’t know what I have to offer,” Garrett said Tuesday. “So I’m looking forward to sending a message through this first game.”
Garrett, who has more than lived up to expectations in his first training camp, will make his preseason debut Thursday night when the Browns host the Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium. The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft from Texas A&M is eager to showcase his speed, power and new pass-rush moves he’s been trying out on Cleveland offensive linemen eager to see him abuse someone new.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s preseason or a scrimmage,” the defensive end said. “I want to display a dominance when I’m on the field, whether it’s preseason first series or whenever I get out there.”
He’ll be out there with the Browns’ starting defense.
Rally planned for Kaepernick
Spike Lee is promoting a planned rally for freeagent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Lee tweeted an advertisement for the rally scheduled for Aug. 23 outside the NFL’s headquarters in New York City. The rally is being organized by several civil rights groups.
Kaepernick parted ways with the 49ers in March and hasn’t been signed by any team.
Odds and ends
Chiefs first-round pick quarterback Patrick Mahomes II will start the second half of the preseason game against the 49ers on Friday night. … The Falcons are holding out wide receiver Julio Jones in their preseason opener at Miami on Thursday night. … The Jaguars placed left tackle Branden Albert on the reserve/retired list. … The Packers released defensive lineman Letroy Guion. … Hall of Fame quarterback-turned broadcaster Len Dawson will retire from the radio booth after the upcoming season. … 49ers rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom suffered a concussion during practice but the team says he didn’t suffer any cervical spinal fractures. … Browns receiver Corey Coleman has been cleared of wrongdoing in an assault case.