On Takk McKinley’s return, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s stitches, Davion Davis’ suspension and other Browns take

BEREA, Ohio — The sight of Browns defensive end Takk McKinley walking into the club facility Tuesday means his return to the field is not far off.

It’s a welcome development for the Browns, who have a number of injured defenders, including defensive end Porter Gustin, who remained sidelined Tuesday with his knee injury.

If McKinley, who’s missed the past three weeks while working through a personal issue, can get back on the field soon, there’s a chance he contribute in the opener in Kansas City. That would be great news for the Browns, who signed him to be their No. 2 defensive end behind Myles Garrett, and then be their No. 3 when they signed Jadeveon Clowney.

McKinley, the No. 26 pick of the 2017 draft by the Falcons, was expected to be a big part of the end rotation and use his speed off the edge to disrupt quarterbacks. It’s still the plan if he can overcome whatever he’s been dealing with.

McKinley first left the field with an illness on July 30, and then returned the next day only to come to the sidelines a couple of times looking ill. He wasn’t seen again outside until Tuesday, and left town for a couple of weeks. He returned a week ago Monday, and has been participating in meetings and workouts.

“He’s doing well,’’ Kevin Stefanski said. “Working through it. Hopefully, we will see more of him as we go.”

He noted that “we support all of our guys in the building and outside of the building. He has our support. He has my support. I think guys are excited to have him back.”

Safety John Johnson III, for one, welcomed him with open arms.

“It was awesome,’’ he said. “He came in with me this whole free agency class so it was good to have our team back strong. Hopefully, whatever he was dealing with is done, and he can get to work. It is good to have him out here.”

He acknowledged it gives the team a lift.

“That spark, his game speaks for itself,’’ Johnson said. “He’s a high-motor guy.’’

Before McKinley left, he was learning a lot from Garrett and Clowney. He appeared to be a perfectionist in the limited practice time he had. The Browns are hoping he can resurrect his career after a rocky road with the Falcons and then a brief stint with the Raiders last season.

The Browns are hoping that McKinley, and several other players on the roster with some issues, will thrive in a supportive environment.

JOK’s stitches

Owusu-Koramoah’s weightlifting accident at the Browns’ facility, which resulted in stitches in his forehead and sidelined him on Tuesday, represents another minor setback in his bid to either start or play a key role in the opener. As it was, Owusu-Koramoah was still working to make up for missing the first five days of training camp on COVID-19 reserve.

Granted, he exceeded expectations in the preseason opener in Jacksonville, but any missed time is significant for a rookie.

Because a helmet can aggravate a forehead gash, the Browns won’t rush him back onto the field, and its unknown if he’ll play in the final preseason game Sunday night in Atlanta. But Owusu-Koramoah should have plenty of time to be ready for the Chiefs, considering there’s almost two weeks to prepare.

The best blitzer on the team, Koramoah can compensate for his inexperience with his exceptional closing speed. His instincts and athleticism are so good, the Browns will want to get him on the field as soon as they can.

The other good thing is that Mack Wilson is back from his shoulder injury, and can likely start against the Chiefs if necessary. It might be better for JOK to come off the bench.

Davis’ suspension

The Browns undoubtedly knew Davis’ two-game suspension by the NFL for violating the policy on substances of abuse was coming, but were willing to take a chance anyway. The suspension is related to Davis’ DUI arrest in October of 2019, for which he ultimately pleaded guilty to careless driving.

Once again, the Browns are willing to take a chance on a player with some history if they feel he’s a good person who made a mistake and can turn things around.

In the case of Davis, originally signed by the Vikings as an undrafted rookie out of Sam Houston State, he’s demonstrated excellent hands and an ability to high-point the ball. He was likely destined for the practice squad if he cleared waivers, and he could still end up there after he returns.

Parkey’s departure

Cody Parkey was in a heated battle with Chase McLaughlin when he suffered his quad injury Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. He was released from injured reserve Tuesday with a settlement.

Technically, Parkey could re-sign three weeks after whatever the settlement agreement is, but his departure Tuesday makes it unlikely. However, never say never. Kickers have a way of resurfacing.

McLaughlin, who nailed a 49-yarder at the Dawg Pound end on Sunday, will get his shot to be the fulltime kicker. They’ll also keep their eyes peeled for kickers who come free in the final cuts Aug. 31.

Schwartz still working his way back

Schwartz (hamstring) was among the players still idle on Tuesday on what was a bonus day of practice in a long week. The third-round pick must prove he’s ready for duty, and he’s missed most of training camp after missing most of the spring workouts with the original hamstring injury.

A player with world-class speed like Schwartz can’t run with a pulled hamstring, so the Browns be cautious in getting him fully healthy. Other players idle on Tuesday were safety Grant Delpit (hamstring), cornerback Denzel Ward (soreness), cornerback Greedy Williams (groin), safety Sheldrick Redwine (ankle), cornerback M.J. Stewart (hamstring), Gustin (knee), receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley (knee), center JC Tretter (veteran rest), Sione Takitaki (hamstring) and Tony Fields (foot).