CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion two weeks ago.
Clowney was forced to sit out last week’s bone chilling 17-10 loss to the Saints but appears on track to return this weekend against the Commanders in Washington.
“He is getting better,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said prior to practice.
Clowney suffered the head injury during the first half of the Browns 13-3 win over the Ravens on December 17.
Clowney has started nine of 11 games he’s played this season for the Browns where he has two sacks, three tackles for loss, three QB hits, three pass deflections, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
In 25 games for Cleveland over the last two seasons Clowney has totaled 11 sacks, 22 QB hits, 14 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Short memory – Tight end David Njoku is still kicking himself for dropping a potential game-tying touchdown on the final offensive series in Saturday’s 17-10 loss to the Saints.
“I’ve got to keep going and move forward,” Njoku said. “I own up to that completely. It is my fault completely and it is what it is. So, I gotta move on. I gotta show. I gotta lead by example and work hard in practice and give it all in the game and just keep pushing.”
Njoku has had his best season since the Browns drafted him in the first round in 2017. He is third on the team with 53 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns and he was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
“I'm blessed, no matter what,” Njoku said. “Obviously, I wanted to leave no doubt, but with injuries and everything it's tough. But nevertheless, here I am.
Hopefully I get there. If not, I gotta work harder next year. That's just how my mindset is.”
Youth movement – Despite being out of playoff contention with two games to play, this appears not to be the time for Stefanski to empty the bench and give younger players significantly more reps.
“Guys may get a couple more opportunities,” Stefanski said. “Bottom line is we are going to do everything we can to try to win this game. That is really where our focus is. If a young guy warrants getting some extra plays, he might.”
Wills idle – Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. was the lone member of the active roster to be idle for practice due to injury.
Wills is dealing with a back injury.
“We will see how the week goes and see how the next couple of days go,” Stefanski said.
Bullish Bulldog – Running back Nick Chubb, a Georgia standout, is keeping a low profile leading up to Saturday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State.
“I don't wanna hurt anybody's feelings around here,” Chubb said when asked for a prediction.
“I'm not sure. We'll see after the game.”
Typically, players from schools participating in big games will lay down friendly wagers before games but Chubb hasn’t found any willing Buckeyes in the locker room.
“Everyone here is scared to bet me,” Chubb said.
Injury report – DNP: LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (back), WR Amari Cooper (rest/hip), LG Joel Bitonio (rest), DE Myles Garrett (rest); LIMITED: DE Jadeveon Clowney (concussion), S John Johnson III (thigh); FULL: DT Jordan Elliott (elbow), RB Kareem Hunt (shoulder), RG Wyatt Teller (ankle), CB Denzel Ward (shoulder)
Up next – Practice Thursday.