The Cleveland Browns participated in the Hall of Fame Game this year against the New York Jets to kick off the preseason. It went as you would expect a preseason game to go, with a few bumps along the way but with a few standout performers.

With a majority of the starters not taking part, it was a chance for players lower on the depth chart to earn playing time and showcase their talent. Some of the players took full advantage as the Browns had to like what they saw out of fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson in relief of Kellen Mond.

Demetric Felton Jr. and John Kelly Jr. both played very well out of the backfield, combining for 17 carries, 88 yards and one touchdown. Alas, it wasn’t all positive for the Browns on Thursday night.

One player who needed to have a good game was wide receiver Anthony Schwartz. A third-round pick out of Auburn in 2021, Schwartz has failed to make an impact thus far in his Browns career. 

His elite speed has not translated to the next level, as he has 14 receptions for 186 yards and one touchdown in 24 games. On the roster bubble heading into the offseason, he did himself no favors with his performance in the Hall of Fame game to get off the bubble.

With veteran free agent signing Marquise Goodwin dealing with blood clots, there was an opening for Schwartz to make an impact and secure his spot on the roster. But, he fumbled his only reception of the game, which led to an early field goal for the Jets in the game.

While no one will remember the outcome of these preseason games in a few days, coaches are paying close attention to how players perform. It will make or break the standing for most of them and the fumble is something that will not help Schwartz’s cause.

Rookie wide receiver Cedric Tillman looked better than Schwartz on Thursday night, catching two passes for 35 yards. He is a lock for the roster, along with Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Elijah Moore. David Bell, the Browns’ third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is probably safe as well.

That is five players likely ahead of Schwartz on the depth chart, not including Goodwin. Plagued by drops and poor performance on the field early in his career, that fumble against the Jets could be the last straw when it comes to his roster spot. He is going to need some big performances in the next few preseason games to have any chance of making the final 53-man roster with the Browns.