Tag: Rodney McLeod

Browns S Rodney McLeod makes a statement after season-ending injury

The veteran safety has released a statement

After getting stellar play out of the 12-year veteran safety, a player brought in due to his familiarity with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Cleveland Browns lost safety Rodney McLeod for the season due to a torn bicep. As a result, expect to see more of undrafted free agent safety Ronnie Hickman.

Hopefully, this is not the end of McLeod, a player who would be welcome back in 2024 if he is healthy and wants to return to Cleveland. However, after his injury, the veteran safety has released a statement after he had successful surgery on his torn bicep suffered against the Pittsburgh Steelers:

“Disappointment, frustration, anger are all valid emotions as my 2023 season comes to an end. However I am thankful for this season of gratitude to reflect on the blessings God has provided over my 12 year career.”

Best wishes and best of luck to McLeod as he fights back from this season-ending injury.

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S Rodney McLeod Jr. leaves game with biceps injury

Cleveland Browns safety Rodney McLeod Jr. exited the Pittsburgh Steelers game with a biceps injury.

Cleveland Browns safety Rodney McLeod Jr. left the Week 11 game during the fourth quarter with an injury. McLeod was injured while attempting to tackle Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. McLeod immediately went to the medical tent after the play with a biceps injury. McLeod has been ruled out of the game.

McLeod started in place of Juan Thornhill, who missed the game with an injury. Undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman Jr. from Ohio State will finish the game for McLeod. The Browns need good play from Hickman as the Steelers’ running backs are marching down the field against the Cleveland Browns. The game is currently tied 10-10 with 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

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Browns Injury Report: Denzel Ward returns to practice, Dawand Jones remains out Wednesday

The Browns get set to take on the Steelers shorthanded at QB and at RT with Dawand Jones. However, Denzel Ward returned to practice.

The Cleveland Browns got some devastating injury news on Wednesday, as it was announced that quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the season with a broken shoulder. That is not the only concern with the Steelers on deck as right tackle Dawand Jones remains sidelined. On a bright note, however, cornerback Denzel Ward was a limited participant in practice as the Browns get set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers despite leaving the game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ward is not the only player to show up on the injury list, however, as there is a laundry list from Wednesday’s practice. A handful of players were resting on the first day of practice this week, so a bit of sifting through the names has to be done.

Here is the long list of players who did not practice or practiced on a limited basis as the Browns look to advance to 7-3 on the season against the Steelers on Sunday with an opportunity to take hold of the top spot in the AFC North.

Browns safety Juan Thornhill exits Ravens game with calf injury

Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill left the Ravens game with a calf injury.

Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill exited Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at the start of the third quarter.

Thornhill was injured after making a touchdown-saving tackle against Ravens receiver Zay Flowers. Thornhill was quickly rushed to the medical tent while Flowers limped off the field. Thornhill is currently in the locker room with a calf injury. He is questionable to return.

Thornhill was a key addition to the defense this offseason. The safety has helped lead the Browns’ defense to a historically great start. Cleveland needs Thornhill back. The defense gave up a long touchdown pass to former Browns and current Ravens receiver Odell Beckham Jr. immediately after he exited the game.

The Browns have replaced Thornhill with Rodney McLeod Jr., another veteran leader. Cleveland’s defense needs to play much better as the defensive backfield has suffered multiple injuries during the Ravens game.

Cornerback Denzel Ward was previously ruled out with a neck injury he sustained during the first quarter.

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Watch: Browns’ player podcast interviews GM Andrew Berry

The Cleveland Browns podcast Dawgs Only hosted by Anthony Walker Jr. and Rodney McLeod Jr. interview General Manager Andrew Berry.

The Cleveland Browns released the latest episode of their player-run podcast Dawgs Only. The podcast featured Anthony Walker Jr. and Rodney McLeod Jr. hosting general manager Andrew Berry. The remixed episode let two veteran leaders ask Berry the questions for the change. It’s not every day one gets to interview the boss, but the duo does a great job of getting to know the man behind the desk. The GM was able to tell the story of his football journey.

The 36-year-old GM found enjoyment in roster construction at a young age after competing against his identical twin brother in fantasy-styled sporting games. Berry’s football journey would take him to Harvard to play cornerback before an unsuccessful tryout in the NFL would push him toward a front-office role. Starting as an office grunt, Berry quickly rose through the ranks of the Colts and Eagles organizations. He shared stories about compiling scouting reports for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. 

Berry spoke a lot about the importance of family in helping him succeed in his career. He made sure to include his former mentor, Howie Roseman, the General Manager of the Eagles, when speaking of family. It’s interesting to hear Berry talk about his close bond with a peer and a professional adversary. 

The hour-long chat isn’t always a deep exploration of Andrew Berry’s character. The group had a lot of fun during the discussion. At one point, McLeod and Walker get Andrew Berry to publicly challenge Myles Garrett to a mini-game played in the facility. Myles Garrett would be the last person I want to challenge in any game. But what do I know? I’m not a Harvard graduate. I do know every Browns fan should check out the podcast.

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Watch: Browns players podcast interviews JOK and Ogbo Okoronkwo about NFL Africa and more

The Cleveland Browns released the latest episode of the Dawgs Only podcast. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo discuss their outreach projects in Africa and fashion with Anthony Walker Jr. and Rodney McLeod Jr.

The Cleveland Browns released the latest episode of their player-run podcast “Dawgs Only.” The podcast featured Anthony Walker Jr. and Rodney McLeod Jr. hosting Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Ogbo Okoronkwo. The podcast does a great job of showcasing who the players are as human beings. Owusu-Koramoah and Okoronkwo share their experiences with NFL Africa, a program created by NFL great Osi Umenyiora to foster the growth of football in Africa.

The two remain close to the continent as Owusu-Koramoah’s extended family lives in Ghana and Okoronkwo’s extended family in Nigeria. The two discuss their cultures, food, and styles, including Owusu-Koramoah’s global south-inspired pregame fits. 

Okoronkwo is no slouch when it comes to fashion. He knows how to throw fits. The Pharrell Williams-inspired artist is quite the dapper Dan. He worked at New York Fashion Week as a photographer for Essence last winter. Okoronkwo is a photographer in his spare time. The defensive end is in New York City during the bye-week for his second gallery show. 

The Dawgs Only podcast does a fantastic job of showing fans the face inside the helmet. Their prior episode included Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, and Wyatt Teller. The podcast is a must-listen for any Browns fan. Check out this episode on YouTube. 

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PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ defensive players vs. Ravens

It wasn’t the best day for the defense

It wasn’t the best day for the defense of the Cleveland Browns, who made plenty of plays but overall got worn down and struggled to make tackles. The team missed 11 tackles in total according to PFF after tackling had been a strong point in the first three games of the year. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst provided the only takeaway in this one.

The Ravens were by far the best offense Cleveland has seen and it showed as they were able to run the ball at will against the team. There are some areas to clean up during the bye knowing that Kyle Shannahan and the 49ers offense is awaiting in two weeks.

The team was still able to generate a solid pass rush as the defensive line remained a strength of the team. It was an up-and-down game for the secondary as the Ravens’ offensive scheme was perfect to attack the Browns. Here are the top 10 highest-graded defenders for the Browns against the Ravens according to PFF.

WATCH: Rodney McLeod gives Browns second interception vs. Chiefs

two turnovers in two series is a good way to start the game.

The Cleveland Browns have been swarming Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele throughout the first quarter. After an interception returned for a touchdown from Juan Thornhill, they came back and got another interception on the very next series as Rodney McLeod created another turnover.

This led to a David Njoku touchdown as Deshaun Watson and the offense were given a shortened field. The Browns now lead this game 22-3 against the Chiefs in this preseason finale.

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Colts vs. Bills: 5 things to know entering preseason Week 1

Here are five things to know as the Colts enter their first preseason game against the Bills.

The Indianapolis Colts travel Saturday to Orchard Park, NY, for their first action in the Shane Steichen era. The Buffalo Bills host the Colts at Highmark Stadium for a preseason Week 1 game.

With so many new faces and schemes still being installed, there is a lot to work out, but perhaps the most exciting part: Colts football is back.

Here are the five things to know for Week 1 of the preseason:

5 under-the-radar Colts players to watch at training camp

Taking a look at five under-the-radar Colts to keep an eye on at training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts start training camp next week where temperatures will be hot, but several Colts battles will be hotter. The team needs a spark, and these players could provide a much-needed boost.

With head coach Shane Steichen now leading the team, who will thrive under his leadership?

Here are the five under-the-radar Colts players to watch: