CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The bad news for Cleveland Browns linebacker Jabaal Sheard was that the right knee sprain he suffered in Week 3 against Minnesota brought a halt to his uncharacteristic quick start to the season.

Sheard, who has typically gotten stronger as the season develops, made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. But the injury limited Sheard to rehab and turned him into a spectator.

That all could end on Sunday when the Browns host the Detroit Lions. Sheard says he hopes to play and is certainly ready for his comeback.

"It's exciting to get back out there with my team instead of watching from the stands," Sheard said.

Before the injury, Sheard racked up 13 tackles and one sack in three games, answering all questions about his ability to make the transition.

"I was feeling it," Sheard said. "I was getting into it. [At the time of the injury] I felt I was at the peak of my game. I felt more comfortable out there, flipping to either side with Barkevious Mingo and with Paul Kruger. The 3-4 is more fun because you can do so many different things. I felt faster."

The Browns have won two games with Sheard out. While winning is great, Sheard can't wait to contribute.

"It was great to see the guys out there winning," Sheard said. "Everybody's out there playing good. I just want to go out there and continue to win. It's been a big difference coming from where we were before."

On Tuesday, Sheard and several of his teammates participated in an event at Menlo Park Academy to help provide food for local families in need. The players spoke to students about the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast and how they can assist others who may not have access to nutritious foods.

This is also the launch of the Browns “ceREAL” Food Drive that engages schools in the six counties served by the Cleveland Foodbank in a two-week competition (Nov. 3-15) to collect cereal and monetary donations that benefit hungry Northeast Ohio families.

Paige Baublitz-Watkins, director of Menlo Park Academy, said the Browns' visit was thrilling for the students.

"It's also thrilling to be chosen for this event because we've been working on community outreach, and volunteerism across the school," Baublitz-Watkins said. "Having the community come in to let us be the face of the campaign is really a great honor."

The school that scores the most points based on donations will select 100 top-contributing students to win an exclusive trip to FirstEnergy Stadium on Nov. 26. Teachers and administrators can sign up their school now by visiting ClevelandBrowns.com/community or clevelandfoodbank.org/brownsrealschoolfooddrive.