Berea, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Defensive end Olivier Vernon will miss his second straight game due to a knee injury and based on the addition of defensive end Bryan Cox Wednesday morning, it would appear Vernon might not be back anytime soon.
On Tuesday head coach Freddie Kitchens shed no light on Vernon’s status moving forward when asked about it other than to indicate he wasn’t “optimistic” about his availability Thursday night.
Actions speak louder than words and the addition of Cox speaks volumes.
Cox is in his third season out of Florida and his father, Bryan, played 12 seasons in the NFL and was an assistant coach with the Browns from 2009-10.
Originally signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Cox has appeared in 19 career games and recorded 17 tackles and one fumble recovery. He appeared in one game with the Panthers this season before being waived on Nov. 8.
He assumes the roster spot vacated by linebacker Malik Jefferson, waived on Tuesday.
So, we meet again – Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph renew their college rivalry in the NFL Thursday night.
The 2 squared off 3 times in college with Mayfield sweeping all 3 games from Rudolph and Oklahoma State.
“Mason is a great guy. He is playing well, taking care of the ball, putting them in a good position to win,” Mayfield said. “Obviously, they have rolled off four straight right now, so he is doing his job.”
In their most recent college meeting, Mayfield threw for 598 yards and 5 touchdowns while Rudolph had 448 yards through the air and 5 TDs in a 62-52 loss to the Sooners.
According to ESPN Stats and information, this marks the first time in NFL history that former Oklahoma and Oklahoma State QBs have started against one another at the pro level.
“I think it is interesting, especially because now it is division rivals, as well, not just from college,” Mayfield said. “So I am looking forward to it.”
Haden questionable, Conner a go – The Steelers added cornerback Joe Haden to their injury report Wednesday while running back James Connor completed the week as a full participant in practice.
Haden was added due to an illness and listed him as questionable for Thursday night’s game while Connor is expected to return after missing the previous 2 games due to a sprained shoulder suffered in a win over Miami.
TV tweek – The Browns’ Week 12 matchup with Miami is switching networks.
The NFL announced that Dolphins at Browns moves from CBS to Fox but will remain a 1 p.m. kickoff at FirstEnergy Stadium on Nov. 24.
Injury report – OUT: S Eric Murray (knee), DE Olivier Vernon (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: OT Kendall Lamm (knee), TE Ricky Seals-Jones (knee)
EXPECTED TO PLAY: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin), LG Joel Bitonio (back), CB T.J. Carrie (back), DE Myles Garrett (knee), WR Jarvis Landry (hip), S Damarious Randall (chest), LT Greg Robinson (shoulder)
