Beckham continues comeback, joins Browns’ team drills

CLEVELAND (AP) » Odell Beckham Jr.’s comeback is closer to completion.

Beckham, who has slowly increased his activities since the Browns opened training camp last month, took his first snaps in team drills during Thursday’s practice — a major step in his return from season-ending knee surgery.

Beckham was on the field for a handful of plays in the 11 on 11 period, and the star wide receiver also caught passes in 7 on 7 drills, his most significant work to date.

Beckham suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 7 last season against Cincinnati and wasn’t a part of Cleveland’s run to the playoffs. He arrived at camp in phenomenal shape and well ahead of schedule.

The Browns have taken a cautious approach with Beckham, with the idea of having him ready for the Sept. 12 season opener against the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.

That seems more possible now.

Before Thursday’s practice, Beckham had only done individual drills and worked on the side with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

A few plays into the team drills, Beckham lined up to the far right side for two plays and blocked as the Browns executed running plays to the left. Later, he ran an out pattern in 7 on 7s and caught a short pass from Mayfield while being covered by rookie cornerback Greg Newsome II.

Earlier, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt expressed optimism that Beckham will be ready for the Chiefs, who beat the Browns in last year’s division playoffs.

“I hope so. We’re all hoping for that,” Van Pelt said. “I’m not sure where that’s going right now, but he looks really good. He’s running well. He’s coming in and out of his breaks. He’s cutting well. Hopefully we can get him up there for the opener.”

Before Beckham got injured last season, he and Mayfield struggled to find chemistry. But the pair worked together in Texas during the offseason and Cleveland’s coaches have scripted plays for them to do while the Browns are practicing special teams.

“They’re in a really good place right now as far as their mind space, all the work they did in the offseason, spending time together, just continuing to build that bond,” Van Pelt said. “And hopefully that will show this year on the field.”

Mayfield played better after Beckham got hurt. His confidence grew, his statistics improved, and more importantly, the Browns won.

And while there is debate whether Mayfield’s success is linked to him not forcing the ball to Beckham, Van Pelt believes the Browns are stronger when that duo is connecting.

“Anytime you can add an elite athlete and a great player like Odell back, it is only going to make you better,” he said.

Late in the practice on an overwhelmingly hot and humid day, Mayfield and Beckham spent time going over some pass routes as they fine-tune things with the season just more than two weeks away.