BEREA - The first of five episodes of "Road Tested" aired Tuesday night on "The Travel Channel" to a good review from Browns coach Pat Shurmur.
The series follows the day-to-day operations of the Browns. Crews have been in the locker room, at press conferences and in the offices of front office personnel, including owner James Haslam III and president Joe Banner.
Some coaches don't like to give camera crews access to their inner sanctum for fear that secrets will be given away or daily routines will be disrupted. Shurmur has had no problems with the extra attention.
"My biggest concern when cameras are around is that it doesn't become a distraction to the process," Shurmur said. "They were very professional and that wasn't the case. Then any kind of leaking of competitive advantage, which I didn't think was the case."
Road Tested is nothing like "Hard Knocks," the annual series "HBO" does during training camp. Tuesday's episode didn't have cameras in team meetings or in the locker room before games. It focused on a variety of less-important issues, like how the footballs are prepared for kicker Phil Dawson and quarterback Brandon Weeden.
"I thought it was very well done," Shurmur said. "I think what the show shows you is there are a lot of talented, hard-working people behind the scenes that help make this thing go."
MAKING STRIDES: Rookie free safety Tashaun Gipson impressed Shurmur with his play last Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. Gipson played in place of Usama Young, who could be back this week after suffering a concussion against the Steelers.
Shurmur views Gipson as more than a special teams player that can occasionally step in to replace a defensive starter.
"He can play scrimmage snaps in the secondary," Shurmur said. "We're looking forward to seeing him improve."
OUCH!: Running back Trent Richardson took a shot in the area of his injured ribs against the Raiders. He said the ribs won't feel fine until he gets rest in the offseason.
"It's a part of me right now," Richardson said. "It's limited me from putting the ball in my left hand, like I used to a lot. Most of the time I carry the ball in my right hand now. I got to get out of that because I'm getting used to carrying it in my right hand. I can't wait until I finally get this (rib protector) off and switch to my left hand. Then I can start using my stiff arm more."
FOURTH CAPTAIN: Rookie offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz has been named the alternate fourth captain. Schwartz is the fourth rookie to be named an alternate. The other three are Richardson, Weeden and defensive back Johnson Bademosi.
INJURY REPORT: Limited in practice Wednesday were receiver Joshua Cribbs (shoulder/chest), defensive back Ray Ventrone (calf) and Young. Tight end Jordan Cameron (groin), defensive back Dimitri Patterson (ankle), Richardson (chest/finger) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (shoulder/finger) were full participants.
Missing practice for the Chiefs were guard Jeff Allen (illness), defensive lineman Allen Bailey (ankle), safety Abram Elam (quad), cornerback Brandon Flowers (hamstring), linebacker Derrick Johnson (hamstring) and offensive lineman Ryan Lilja (knee). Tackle Branden Albert (back), safety Eric Berry (hand), linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) and safety Kendrick Lewis (shoulder) were limited.
