CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns kicked off Ravens week with their quarterback taking it easy.
Here’s our top Brownie Bites from Wednesday.
Rest up – Quarterback Deshaun Watson stretched and took mental reps during the portion of practice open to reporters, but he did not throw. Watson is listed as limited on the team’s official injury report with a shoulder injury. Neither Watson or head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned anything was ailing the QB and Watson is expected to play Sunday against the Ravens. Watson is coming off his best performance since being acquired by the Browns for six draft picks and signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract that saw him complete 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-3 win over the Titans.
It’s early – Throughout the offseason and training camp receiver Elijah Moore seemed destined to be the centerpiece of the Browns offense, and through three games only the injured Nick Chubb has touched the football more. “I would say it's game three,” Stefanski said of those who might question Moore’s production. “So there are certain things that you want to grow. There are certain things that you're trying to set up for later. You're trying to make yourself hard to defend. But ultimately, we think very highly of number eight. And like I've told you guys before, I think he's good outside, inside, backfield, really anywhere you put him.” Moore has six rushes for 23 yards, including a 19-yard run, and he is second on the team with 15 catches for 128 yards.
Edged out – Myles Garrett rarely gets beat, but he was for AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors this week despite a 3.5 sack performance in Sunday’s 27-3 win over the Titans. The award went to Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard, who became the first player since Brian Urlacher in 2007 to record two sacks, an interception and fumble recovery in the same game. Garrett was also responsible for five QB hurries, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Newsome back – Cornerback Greg Newsome II returned to practice Wednesday after missing Sunday’s win over Tennessee. “Greg worked really hard to get close last week, just ultimately wasn't close enough, so felt like we should rest him last week,” Stefanski said. “But he's playing really well for us. Big part of what we do, having the versatility to play inside and outside, so we're excited to get him back.” Newsome suffered a hyperextended elbow in a 26-22 loss at Pittsburgh on September 18.
No bad blood – Assuming he is healthy, Odell Beckham Jr. along with Jadeveon Clowney return to Cleveland Sunday. Both players left the Browns under less than pleasant circumstances but within the locker room there appears to be no bad blood. “It's always interesting seeing guys that were former teammates and then we go against them,” tight end David Njoku said. “So it's awesome. It's awesome. I hope Odell plays. I hope Clowney plays. I hope we get after it. It's going to be a lot of fun.” Beckham’s father posted a video critical of former quarterback Baker Mayfield on Instagram leading to his son’s release. Despite the messy divorce, players backed Beckham and even campaigned for his return to the team. Clowney ripped the organization in an interview with Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com and was left home for the season finale last year. “I mean, Odell is my brother. You know what I mean? We've been through a lot together. Clowney, no, it’s a business at the end of the day. He decided to go there and that was what was best for him,” Njoku said. “So kudos to them. You know what I'm saying? But we're going to have a lot of fun on Sunday.”
Beat up Baltimore – The Ravens were without seven key players Wednesday: receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) and Rashod Bateman (hamstring), linebackers Odafe Oweh (ankle) and David Ojabo (ankle), running back Justice Hill (foot), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (foot) and safety Kyle Hamilton (undisclosed). “They're dealing with a lot of injuries,” Cooper said. “It's something that happens in the league from time to time. It's a dangerous game. Guys get hurt. But typical Ravens defense, nothing has changed. They like to play a lot of zone versus base. Just got to go out there and play our game, go out there and execute our assignments and go 1-0 this week.”
Injury report – DNP: LG Joel Bitonio (rest, ankle) RB Kareem Hunt (ribs, groin), DE Myles Garrett (rest), DE Za’Darius Smith (rest), WR Amari Cooper (rest); LIMITED: QB Deshuan Watson (shoulder), CB Greg Newsome (elbow), OT James Hudson (ankle), RB Jerome Ford (shoulder)
