Browns anxious to see him on field

Odell Beckham Jr.'s extended absence may have finally gotten to Browns coach Freddie Kitchens.

The superstar wide receiver skipped all but one day of Cleveland's voluntary practices (OTAs) over the past month, and Kitchens said Thursday that he's eager to see Beckham next week when the team holds its mandatory minicamp.

Asked what Beckham missed during his time away, Kitchens said, “A lot of the offense.”

The Browns acquired Beckham in a blockbuster trade with the Giants on March 12. But other than being at his introductory news conference on April 1 or his appearance two weeks ago at one of the 10 practice sessions, the 26-year-old Beckham has not been around.

In the past, Kitchens has staunchly defended Beckham's decision to work out on his own, saying he was confident the three-time Pro Bowler will stay in shape and be ready when the season starts.

MICHIGAN’S HOWARD TEARS UP

Juwan Howard wiped tears of joy off his cheeks as he sat with his family. Moments later, he was formally introduced as Michigan's basketball coach.

Howard then got up and hugged athletic director Warde Manuel, who triggered even more tears from the former member of the Fab Five. Warde held up a maize No. 25 jersey, like the one Howard wore on the same court in the early 1990s.

When it was Howard's turn to speak, the former NBA standout and Miami Heat assistant coach was so overcome with emotion he needed more than 30 seconds to compose himself.

“I said I wasn't going to cry,” he said. “I guess that happens when you're excited about something so special to you.”

The 46-year-old Howard is getting his first job as a head coach and he is taking over for John Beilein, who rebuilt the Wolverines into a national power before leaving to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers. Critics wondered about Manuel's choice, but he defended his first major move in three years by pointing to Howard's passion for the program.

“I'm going to gamble with people who love this place the way he does,” he said Thursday.