Practice notes: Browns safety Usama Young, kicker Phil Dawson return

The Browns (3-5) practiced today in preparation for their home game Sunday against the St. Louis Rams (1-7). Reporters were allowed to watch about 30 minutes of practice. Here's what you need to know about the open session:

• Safety Usama Young returned to practice today after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday with an injured hip. Young worked with the first-team defense, indicating he'll probably start in place of strong safety T.J. Ward, who's been out all week since hurting his right foot this past Sunday against the Houston Texans. If Young isn't healthy enough to face the Rams, rookie Eric Hagg will likely start at strong safety.


• Kicker Phil Dawson also returned to practice today. He stood on the sideline with a helmet on and watched the open portion of practice. Dawson was sent home Thursday because he was experiencing migraine headaches.


• The following players did not practice today: defensive end Auston English (knee), running backs Montario Hardesty (calf) and Peyton Hillis (hamstring), wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (head), cornerback Dimitri Patterson (knee) and Ward (foot/finger).


• Offensive lineman Tony Pashos (ankle) worked as the first-team right tackle for the second day in a row after Artis Hicks filled the spot Wednesday.