CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Myles Garrett and Joel Bitonio took home awards for the 2021 season from the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Garrett was named the Joe Thomas Award winner as the player of the year. The Pro Bowl defensive end also shared the Dino Lucarelli “Good Guy” Award with Bitonio.
In addition to being named to his third Pro Bowl, Garrett set the Browns franchise record for sacks in a single season with 15, which ranks third in the NFL. In 16 games to date Garrett has also recorded a career-high 50 tackles, while adding three passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.
Garrett is the first player to win the Joe Thomas award in back-to-back seasons.
The ‘Good Guy Award’ is given annually to a player for his cooperation with the media and for the way the player carries himself in the community and with his teammates.
Bitonio, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his last four seasons and is the longest tenured Brown, cheerfully makes himself available to reporters and always offers thoughtful and insightful responses to every question that is asked of him.
Garrett has established himself as a leader as well as face of the franchise. He was recognized for his candor throughout the season.
This is the third time Bitonio has won the award, the most in team history, while Garrett is a first-time honoree.
Our ballot looked like this – Joe Thomas Player of the Year: 1. Myles Garrett, 2. Nick Chubb; Dino Lucarelli “Good Guy” Award: 1. Myles Garrett, 2. Anthony Walker.
Mixon out – Bengals running back Joe Mixon was among the players who tested positive for COVID-19 and will not play Sunday in Cleveland.
On Tuesday Cincinnati placed the Bengals placed linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, safety Vonn Bell, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, center Trey Hopkins and guard Quinton Spain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Burrow to sit – Sunday’s game will be a battle of backup QBs. Joe Burrow told reporters in Cincinnati Wednesday that he will not play in Cleveland.
Burrow, who threw for 4,611 yards with 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, led Cincinnati to their fifth AFC North title this season.
Bittersweet 16 – The Browns have something to play for Sunday – avoiding further embarrassment from what has been a disappointing season.
A win over Cincinnati would allow them to avoid a 16th double digit loss season since 1999 and possibly a 16th last place divisional finish depending on the outcome of the Ravens-Steelers game. Baltimore is 8-8.
Roster moves – Linebacker Sione Takitaki was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury along with quarterback Bakr Mayfield.
Quarterback Nick Mullens was signed from the practice squad to the active roster and the team added running back Dexter Williams from Miami’s practice squad to their roster as well.
Linebacker Tony Fields II was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list while running back Dexter Williams landed on the COVID list.
Injury report – DNP: DT Malik Jackson (knee), TE David Njoku (shoulder), CB Denzel Ward (groin); LIMITED: RB Nick Chubb (chest/ribs), DE Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder/knee), S Ronnie Harrison Jr. (ankle), CB Troy Hill (knee), RB Kareem Hunt (knee), S John Johnson III (hamstring), LB Elijah Lee (shoulder), C JC Tretter (knee), CB Greedy Williams (shoulder); FULL: TE Austin Hooper (hand), DT Malik McDowell (neck), Ifeadi Odenigbo (biceps)
Up next – Practice Thursday.
