It was fitting that Joe Thomas' first day of practice as a Cleveland Browns was as low-key and quiet at the team's newly-signed left tackle.

Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, the team's practice today was as low-impact as would be expected now in the third year of the Romeo Crennel regime. The team's head coach, who never pushes the team in their first practice, was true to form despite being on the hot seat as the 2007 season begins.

There was little change on the field as well. Charlie Frye worked with the first team, Derek Anderson with the second squad. The team's rotation at offensive line was unchanged from the team's OTA practices. Any of the changes anticipated in the team's offense will have to wait.

Players went without pads, and there was no seven-on-seven or other scrimmaging. This might have been a good decision, as footing was slick following rains earlier in the day. Several receivers lost their footing during drills.

After practice, an upbeat head coach Romeo Crennel positively about the level of competition the team will see in 2007. "Every position is open for competition", the team's head coached offered, in a fairly typical refrain.

HITTING WILL COME: Despite the team's light practice, there will be some hitting in coming days. Crennel said that the team would put on pads during tomorrow's practice.

HEALTH UPDATE:CB Demario Minter wasn't practicing with the team, as he was out with "a bit of a foot issue", according to Crennel. The team's head coach expressed a desire to get Minter onto the field as soon as possible.

ROSTER MOVES: In order to make room for the team's new draft picks, the team released LB Kevin Sears and OL Pete Lougheed.

QUARTET OF RETURNERS: The Browns still seem focused on Josh Cribbs as their leading candidate at punt returner. Crennel allowed that WR Syndric Steptoe and CB Brandon McDonald will compete and said that Kendrick Mosely is "politicking" for a shot at the job as well.

WEST COAST WRIGHT: CB Eric Wright, signed last evening, was not in camp today for the team's first practice. Crennel said there were "transportation issues" and the second-round pick would arrive in Cleveland tonight.