CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who's rested most of camp to preserve his body for the season, will sit out tonights preseason opener against the Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium, and Cam Erving will start in his place.
Thomas, the 10-time Pro Bowler, is one of a handful of Browns players who will sit out the game, including No. 29 overall pick David Njoku, who suffered a back injury in practice last week and has been limited.
The Browns expect Njoku back for the second preseason game Aug. 21 against the Giants here.
In his absence, tight end Randall Telfer will start, and Seth DeValve will back him up.