BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Myles Garrett added a weekly honor to his growing Hall of Fame resume as the Browns continued to prepare for this weekend’s trip to Denver.
Here’s a few Brownie Bites from Wednesday’s availability.
AFC DPOTW – Garrett was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his three-sack performance in last Thursday night’s 24-19 win over the Steelers. It is the fourth time in his career Garrett has received the weekly award. “We talk so much about [how] individual accolades are tremendous. We want our guys to be recognized,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “The nice part is it also reflects well on your teammates. So happy for Myles and also recognize that it takes everybody to achieve those. But what Myles is doing, play in and play out, game in and game out with the amount of attention that he gets play in and play out is pretty impressive.” It marked the second time this season and fifth in his career Garrett registered three sacks. Garrett, who also forced a fumble, became the seventh player in NFL history to tally at least 10 sacks in seven consecutive seasons and Stefanski feels Garrett is deserving of a second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award. “If you're asking me, yes,” Stefanski said. “I don't have a vote, but I think, and I made this point the other day, what he's able to accomplish with the amount of attention that he gets is truly impressive. It's like a degree of difficulty type thing. So for him to produce when they're trying everything in their power to make sure he doesn't wreck the game is again, running out of superlatives.”
Future is now – Jameis Winston is 2-2 since taking over as the Browns’ starter and he is averaging just under 296 passing yards per game. With the need to move on from Deshaun Watson as plain as day for the Browns, does Winston want to come back in 2025? “I think anytime where you're able to solidify a role and a place, and play good at that place, you like to be home,” Winston said. “But however, that's out of my control. Again, my focus is on man one play at a time, and just stacking it up day after day after day.” Winston is completing over 62% of his passes this season and he has seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Most importantly, the Browns offense is averaging 19.25 points per game, up nearly 5 from the scoring average through the first seven weeks of the season. “I'm comfortable. Everywhere I go, every room I step in, I'm comfortable,” Winston said. “I've truly embraced this city. I love the hard nose, I love the beautiful trees. In three months out the year, it is truly everywhere I go. I always talk about when I have my introductory, I talk about I'm grateful, and it's as simple as that, man. I'm grateful for the fans challenging me. I'm grateful for the fans lifting me up. I'm grateful for you all challenging me and lifting me up, man. It's a process that I really take to heart man because I feel like all of us are in this together and that's just how I approach it.”
Waiver claims – The Browns claimed a pair of defensive ends off waivers Wednesday – Cameron Thomas from Kansas City and James Houston from Detroit). To make room on the roster, the team waived defensive end Elerson Smith. Thomas is in his third NFL season out of San Diego State and was originally selected by Arizona in the third round of the 2022 draft. Thomas spent his first two seasons with the Cardinals and appeared in 32 games with three sacks. He was traded to the Chiefs prior to the start of the 2024 season and appeared in four games with Kansas City. Houston is also in his third NFL season out of Jackson State. Originally selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Houston has appeared in 17 games with three starts for Detroit and totaled 15 tackles, nine sacks and a forced fumble. In 2024, he has appeared in eight games and totaled four tackles and a sack.
Giving thanks – Cornerback Denzel Ward offered this thought the day before Thanksgiving when asked what he is thankful for. “I'm very grateful,” Ward said. “I enjoy playing this game of football. I had some concussions, but I haven't missed a game though, so I've been out there. So I've been enjoying playing with my brothers and very grateful for that. Very grateful to be playing.”
Designated to return – Rookie cornerback Myles Harden was designated to return to practice Wednesday. Harden, a 2024 seventh round pick, was placed on injured reserve due to a shin injury on September 12. A player designated for return has 21 days to be activated or must remain on the reserve list for the remainder of the season.
Day off – Although they held meetings and a walk through, Stefanski did not have his players on the practice field. They’ll work Thursday and Friday before traveling to Denver Saturday.
Injury report – WR Cedric Tillman (concussion), TE Geoff Swaim (concussion)
