Category: Latest Browns News

Jack Conklin would like to stay with Browns, surgery removed bone spur too

Conklin’s return is big for the offense and he’d like to stick around. Last year’s knee surgery helped alleviate a different problem as well:

A big story not getting a lot of attention, for obvious reasons, going into the 2022 season for the Cleveland Browns is the return of OT Jack Conklin. Conklin missed 10 games in 2021 after tearing his patella tendon in his knee.

He worked hard this offseason and was removed from the physically unable to perform list after a short stint to start training camp.

This offseason, Conklin restructured his contract to stick around with the Browns for the upcoming season. The restructuring did not change the length of his contract.

Conklin is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.

One of the best right tackles in the game, Conklin wants to stay in Cleveland long-term:

Later in the interview, Conklin noted that he must prove that he is healthy and productive before the team would have an interest in extending his time.

Last year’s injury was the second major knee injury of the former Michigan State star’s career. He tore his ACL in 2018 while with the Tennesee Titans. While he returned to play all 16 games in 2019, the Titans had declined his fifth-year option on his rookie contract which freed him up to sign with the Browns in 2020.

During his recent surgery, Conklin noted that another issue was found and fixed:

The tough right tackle also noted that he never wants to be carted off the field because he never knows when it will be his last snap. If he is able, he plans to walk off the field no matter the injury.

A healthy Conklin will be vital for the Cleveland offense. Chris Hubbard, James Hudson and Blake Hance are key reserves but each has struggled when thrown into the starting lineup at different times.

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Amari Cooper injury update: Not practicing, injury not severe

The injury update promised today came back positive for Cooper:

The Cleveland Browns may have dodged another bullet. The team has been hit hard at the wide receiver position so far in training camp. In order, David Bell, Anthony Schwartz and Isaiah Weston have all missed time due to injuries. Bell and Schwartz should be ready to go before the start of the season while Weston was waived-injured.

Monday, Amari Cooper joined the ranks of the wide receivers leaving practice early with what looked like an ankle or foot-related injury. Cooper was tended to by the medical staff but remained on the sidelines for the rest of practice.

HC Kevin Stefanski, as promised, provided an update before Tuesday’s practice and it looks like good news for Cooper and the team:

While getting timing with QBs Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun Watson is important, having a healthy Cooper for the season is the most important thing. Based on Stefanski’s comments, Cooper could be back sometime this week but the team could play it safe with him over the next couple of weeks.

Stefanski also confirmed that Cooper’s injury was of the ankle.

With all of those receivers out, for now, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jakeem Grant lead the way with Ja’Marcus Bradley and a slew of rookies behind them. Demetric Felton, labeled a running back, also joins the receiver group most of the time.

A good news update for Cooper even if he has to miss some practice time.

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USA Today updates Browns prediction after Watson suspension

The six-game suspension drastically changed one major publication’s prediction for the Browns:

The Cleveland Browns almost have clarity for the 2022 NFL season. QB Deshaun Watson was suspended by Judge Sue Robinson on Monday for six games. For the team, that stretch of games may be the best stretch of six games for them to be missing their starting quarterback.

Jacoby Brissett could be able to lead the way to a winning record or at least a .500 one during that time.

Clarity comes fully once the NFL decides whether or not they will appeal. If they do not by the Thursday deadline, six games is locked in and everyone moves forward. If they do appeal, an increased punishment is likely but clarity awaits that decision.

If the aftermath of the Watson decision, USA Today has updated their prediction (subscriber, $) for Cleveland’s season. Before Robinson’s decision, the prediction was that the Browns would finish last in the AFC North with a losing record.

After Robinson’s decision, the prediction is much more positive:

Cleveland Browns (10-7): His case may not be fully resolved given the league can still appeal Robinson’s ruling, yet the chips seems to be falling in his new team’s favor. Watson is scheduled to return Week 7 at Baltimore – tall order – but he’ll have the benefit of a Week 9 bye to reacclimate as he knocks off rust accrued from a nearly two-year absence from regular-season rigors. The Browns’ Nov. 27 home date with the Bucs now appears more favorable with DE Myles Garrett and Co. working against Tampa Bay’s increasingly depleted O-line.

While 10-7 may not be good enough to make the playoffs, the six-game suspension lifts the team’s hopes especially since Watson can return to practice in Week 4.

Predictions are a fun part of the ramp-up to the regular season. At least today, one major publication was forced to change theirs in reaction to the suspension decision Monday. That would likely change again if the NFL appeals and increases the length of the suspension.

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Amari Cooper injury (ankle) update expected Tuesday

Hoping for a positive update on Cooper’s injury Tuesday after going down in practice Monday:

Perhaps lost in the midst of the conversation around QB Deshaun Watson’s six game suspension is that the Cleveland Browns continued training camp on Monday. Kicker Cade York continues to impress, OL Jack Conklin came off the physically unable to perform list and the roster had a wide receiver swap.

Unfortunately, practice also included another wide receiver injury. This time to the team’s top receiver, Amari Cooper. Cooper went down with what looked like an ankle injury. He was tended to by trainers then stood on the sidelines toward the end of practice.

That Cooper wasn’t taken into the locker room and was able to stand for the remainder of practice is a good sign. HC Kevin Stefanski did not have an update on Monday. “I have not gotten the full report yet,” he said. “I will update you guys tomorrow (Tuesday), but I do not know.”

Cooper’s arrival was an important one for Cleveland’s offense. The former Dallas Cowboy gave the team a true #1 receiver and a player who can make plays all over the field. If Cooper’s injury is serious, Donovan Peoples-Jones would be forced into that top spot again with very limited options on the free agent market.

We look forward to an update on Cooper’s injury today.

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Cade York impressing early in training camp

Another day, more perfection from the Browns 4th round kicker who continues to make field goals including long ones:

One of the most important additions to the Cleveland Browns may have come in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. After a couple of trade downs during the event left the team with extra selections, the Browns used one of those selections to draft York.

While a fourth-round pick, especially as low as #124, is not expected to have an instant impact on a team, York could be the exception. Along with DT Perrion Winfrey, York made the preseason ‘All-Rookie Team‘ prediction from NFL.com.

During offseason activities, York was impressive. He even knocked in an over 60-yard field goal at the Berea complex.

Training camp has brought more of the same for the kicker. Saturday, perfect:

Monday, perfect:

We get a little bit of a look at that long field goal that crosses the goal post above the video, highlighting just how far it really went:

Outside of QB Deshaun Watson and WR Amari Cooper, York’s addition could be the most important for the team this year. So far so good in practice. Now we wait to see it in a game.

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Browns waive injured WR Isaiah Weston, sign WR Derrick Dillon

Weston waived and his replacement was signed as the Browns continue to adjust to numerous WR injuries:

While the Cleveland Browns have been the focal point of the news on Monday, they went back to work with business as usual. The team now knows that QB Deshaun Watson will be suspended for six games, barring an appeal and change by the league.

QB Jacoby Brissett will lead the way in Watson’s absence.

Earlier today, we reported that OL Jack Conklin was coming off the physically unable to perform list. Conklin’s presence will help Brissett early in the year as the right tackle returns from a season-ending knee injury last year.

Cleveland also waived WR Isaiah Weston a couple of days after he was hurt in practice. Weston could be claimed by another team. If not, the undrafted free agent will be placed on the Browns injured reserve.

Weston’s replacement was added to the team’s 90-man roster with WR Derrick Dillon officially signed by the team. Dillon was brought in earlier this offseason in the same workout that led QB Josh Rosen to be signed.

Standing 5’11”, Dillon is known for his speed. He ran a 4.29 at LSU’s pro day. Already 26, Dillon left LSU in 2019 with 51 catches in 31 career games.

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Haslams make statement on Deshaun Watson’s suspension

The Haslams’ statement is short and is similar to their earlier statements about Watson:

The Cleveland Browns hope that they have some certainty with QB Deshaun Watson now that Judge Sue Robinson has rendered her decision. The six-game suspension could be appealed by the NFL leading to a stronger punishment.

For now, Watson will miss the first six games of the 2022 season returning to practice with the team in Week 4 of the season. QB Jacoby Brissett will run the show until Watson returns.

While the NFLPA, in conjunction with Watson, released a statement last night that they would not appeal Robinson’s decision, we have not heard from the quarterback in a month and a half. It has been even longer since we heard from ownership. Monday, Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement:

The Haslams’ statement is in line with the last time they spoke shortly after Watson’s arrival in Cleveland.

While the Haslams’ statement notes Watson is “remorseful,” the quarterback has denied that he has done anything wrong in the situation:

Outside of the completion of the investigation, nothing has changed since the Browns acquired Watson. The organization was behind the move and the player at that time and, seemingly, will continue to be moving forward.

Fans, on the other hand, have not been in lockstep with the organization with many opposing Watson as a member of the team.

According to the public relations department, we will hear from both the Haslams and GM Andrew Berry after the appeals process, if the NFL decides to appeal.

Report: Jack Conklin to come off PUP list Monday

Some very good news in Berea, especially this early in training camp, with the team’s right tackle coming off PUP:

While the sports world swirls around the announcement of QB Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension, the Cleveland Browns prepare to kick off another training camp practice. After taking off Sunday, the Browns are back on the field on Monday.

Outside of Watson’s suspension, injury concerns have been the key storyline in Berea this year. First, WR David Bell was unable to perform then a number of veterans were added to different lists, keeping them out of practice.

Later, WR Anthony Schwartz was injured and Saturday WR Isaiah Weston went down with what looks to be a major injury.

Monday came with some good news as the team informed reporters that OL Jack Conklin would be coming off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and back to practice.

Conklin was lost early in the 2021 season with a knee injury and restructured his contract to return to the team this year. HC Kevin Stefanski said his starting right tackle was diligent this offseason working out in Berea to return healthy.

Getting Conklin back healthy this quickly into camp is a huge boost for the team’s offense, especially with QB Jacoby Brissett taking over for the first six games of the year.

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Another WR down: Weston leaves on cart, significant injury feared

Another WR goes down with an injury, this time feared to be serious:

Injuries are a part of football. A very physical sport with very big people moving very fast is bound to lead to people getting hurt. When injuries become problematic is either when they hit the top-level players on a team or when they hit a specific position group especially hard.

For the Cleveland Browns, the latter has been a problem during the first week of training camp. The wide receiver position, which wasn’t considered overall deep to begin with, has been hit with a few important injuries.

The first two, David Bell and Anthony Schwartz, are not expected to be major but could cost each player important practice time. For Bell as a rookie, early assimilation is important. For Schwartz, getting confidence back after a rough rookie year would be vital.

On Saturday another injury happened at the position with Isaiah Weston being carted off with what seemed to be something serious:

According to Brad Stainbrook, the injury is to his ACL but may not be a complete tear.

Weston was a very interesting undrafted free agent addition for the team. At 6’3″, Weston ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He has the best athletic score of all receivers since 1987.

With the Browns off on Sunday, we are unlikely to get official word from the team until they return on Monday.