Browns LB Scott Fujita gets nod to play

It seems certain that CB Joe Haden will play Sunday since the ruling on his appeal of a drug suspension has yet to be made. And now it has been reported that OLB Scott Fujita will be suiting up against the Eagles as well.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Jim Trotter tweeted Friday afternoon that the restraining order asked for by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has garnered success. Trotter reported that a three-person appeals panel has overturned the Bountygate suspensions that would cost Fujita three games.

The Browns voiced hope before the latest word came down that Fujita would play. They need all the defensive help they can get against a versatile and explosive Philadelphia offense that features quarterback Michael Vick, featured back LeSean McCoy and fleet wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

Fujita has been sidelined most of camp due to a left leg injury and pending suspension. But coach Pat Shurmur said he would have no hesitation to play him Sunday if the ruling indeed came down in his favor. And that would make fellow linebacker D'Qwell Jackson quite happy.

"There would be a lot of excitement in this locker room," Jackson said about that scenario.

Jackson expressed certainty that Fujita would play effectively despite his lack of reps in the preseason.

"I'm confident," he said. "His conditioning is up. ... He's 12 years in. It's like riding a bike. He'll be fine. You hate to see him go through this ordeal ... with this cloud hanging over his head."

The Browns need a veteran presence outside Jackson on the linebacking corps. Inexperienced veteran Kaluka Maiava and rookie James-Michael Johnson are listed as first-teamers in the absence of Fujita, but the latter is likely out with an oblique injury and could miss several games. It appeared that fellow rookie L.J. Fort would have taken his place as the starter, though impressive Craig Robertson was another possibility.

Jackson believes the ace in the hole defensively despite the painfully young and thin roster is coordinator Dick Jauron, who runs a far less complicated scheme than predecessor Rob Ryan.

"He makes it simple, whether you have young guys or veterans," Jackson said. "We're going to run what 11 guys can collectively run to the best of their abilities."

Babbling about Babin: The return to health and to the lineup of Eagles defensive end Jason Babin (18 sacks in 2011) might have any rookie right tackle awaiting his first game in the NFL quite concerned. But if Browns rookie Mitchell Schwartz is worried, he's hiding it well. Schwartz is gaining a reputation for his calm demeanor.

"There are a lot of things he does well, both in the run game and against the pass," Schwartz said about Babin. "But I know I'll be going against good players every week. ... I'll be nervous [before the game] but there's no point losing sleep over it."

Schwartz struggled against speed rushers in the preseason, but proved he's ahead of the game as a run blocker. Those skills will come in handy against Philadelphia, which could be more vulnerable against a strong ground game.

"They're good sideline to sideline," said Browns running back Brandon Jackson. "As a running back, you have to hit the hole."

One wonders how many opportunities Jackson will get to hit the hole. It appears certain that rookie Trent Richardson (arthroscopic knee surgery) is set to start and Jackson has outplayed Montario Hardesty in the preseason.

"If (coach) Pat (Shurmur) says it's going to work out, it's going to work out," Jackson said. "You can't sit and wonder how many reps you're going to get."

Battling the best: Browns wide receiver Greg Little understands that it will require a fine effort to succeed against Eagles talented cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The former is a two-time All-Pro and the latter earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2009. But Little doesn't talk like he's in the least bit intimidated.

"You have to trust your technique and compete against them," Little said. "If you use good tempo and good execution you'll be fine. What we have schemed up will put us in position to do very well."

Browns to give Modell tribute: The Browns have announced they will honor former owner Art Modell, who died early Thursday morning, before their opener on Sunday. It is unknown what form the tribute will take for the man who moved the Browns to Baltimore in 1995.

The news was met with strong reaction on both sides in Cleveland. Some believe a moment of silence would prompt heavy booing. Others offer simply that recognizing Modell is simply the morally right thing to do.

Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.