Tag: Cleveland

Browns general manager Andrew Berry, left, and head coach Kevin Stefanski watch practice during minicamp, Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Berea.

Browns 2025 draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As the Deshaun Watson hype train derailed under the weight of injuries and limited availability, the Cleveland Browns return to the first round of the NFL draft for the first time since selecting cornerback Greg Newsome II 26th overall in 2021.

Watson had two Achilles surgeries in a three-month span and the chances he can help Cleveland in 2025 are next to nil.

What is GM Andrew Berry to do with the No. 2 pick and a massive mulligan required at QB?

“We’ll take the player we feel like is the best available,” Berry said.

The pool of prospects in 2025 features a few quarterbacks the Browns might favor, but Cleveland follows the Titans — also operating with a virtual vacancy at quarterback — and are likely to pass on Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) that early.

This approach opens Berry up to trading down or staying where he is to pick from premier prospects at pass rusher (Penn State’s Abdul Carter), playmaker (Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a No. 1 WR or CB), running back (Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) or blocker (any number of options by position).

–Team needs
Quarterback
Unreasonable confidence in one-time first-rounders Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett consistently competing in the AFC North shouldn’t push the Browns away from picking their QB of the future. Don’t be surprised if Berry treads lightly knowing the long-term cost of overspending with a prayer of getting the position right.

Pass rusher
Myles Garrett can’t walk over the white lines without drawing a double team. He’s wildly effective as a one-man wrecking crew which prompts the question: How great can he be if the Browns pair him with another edge-pressure generator?

Running back
There might not be a better personality and playing style fit for the Browns than Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a selection that would raise eyebrows given the overall value compared to selecting a lead QB, left tackle, pass rusher or cornerback. The Browns have scored some finds in the second round, from Nick Chubb (35th overall, 2018) to old-school Leroy Hoard (45th, 1990).

Wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy is a fine No. 2, but a reliable and versatile wideout will make life easier no matter who grabs the QB1 role in Cleveland. It’s the reason Hunter entered the conversation. If not Hunter early, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins are thought to pique Berry’s interest in the pick 25-45 range.

Best prospect fits
DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
WR-CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 2, 2
2: 1, 33
3: 3, 67
3: 30, 94 (from Buffalo Bills)
4: 2, 104
6: 3, 179
6: 16, 192 (from Miami Dolphins via Chicago Bears)
6: 24, 200 (from Minnesota Vikings)
6: 40, 216 (compensatory draft pick)
7: 39, 255 (compensatory draft pick)

History Lesson
–The Browns selected No. 1 overall in 2017 (Myles Garrett) and 2018 (Baker Mayfield). Their previous top-three overall selections were Alabama RB Trent Richardson (No. 3, 2012) and Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas (No. 3, 2007).

–Safety Eric Turner (UCLA) is the only player the franchise has ever picked No. 2 overall (1991). Miami defensive tackle Russell Maryland went with the first pick to the Dallas Cowboys.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) pats Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after sacking him during the second half of an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]

Report: Myles Garrett not interested in contract extension, wants out of Cleveland

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A lucrative contract extension will not sway Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett from his request to be traded, according to a report Thursday from cleveland.com.

Garrett and his team, including agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, have apparently declined contract negotiations with the Browns. Garrett, 29, said in publicly announcing his desire for a trade on Feb. 3 that it’s about winning a Super Bowl, not making more money.

The Browns have been adamant in their stance to not trade him, no matter how bountiful the offer from another team.

“I wouldn’t really touch on any conversations that I have with other teams, just respectfully,” general manger Andrew Berry said on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I don’t think that’s appropriate just for current and future business, but it’s irrelevant to this situation because we’re not interested in trading Myles.”

They are interested in improving his contract to perhaps make him the highest-paid defensive players in the league, in the neighborhood of $40 million a year. Cleveland made Garrett the first pick of the 2017 draft. He has two years left on his contract with cap hits of $19.7 million this season and $20.4 million in 2026, with no guaranteed money left. He would become a free agent ahead of the 2027 season, according to Spotrac.

Garrett has racked up 102.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, 200 quarterback hits and 116 tackles for loss in 117 career regular-season games (114 starts). He has made five straight Pro Bowls and six overall and was the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The Browns have reached the playoffs twice in Garrett’s eight seasons for a total of three postseason games.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” Garrett said when he announced his trade request. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

Cleveland was 3-14 last season and has the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April.

“Myles, as you guys have all heard me say, he’s a huge part of our organization, really good person, he’s an awesome player,” Berry said. “I understand the trade request and everything, but our stance really has not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as a part of the organization is best for the Browns.”

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday at the combine that he also wants to win a championship, and he expects Garrett to be part of the team getting there.

“As you know, I think the world of Myles,” Stefanski said. “I understand the business of football and I understand these things happen from time to time. But I expect Myles on our team this year, next year, the year after that and so on. He’s part of the present, he’s part of the future.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) rushes against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

WR Kadarius Toney arrested, allegedly strangled woman

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran NFL wide receiver Kadarius Toney was arrested last week on allegations that he strangled a woman during a January dispute, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

Toney, 26, was arrested and booked on Feb. 6 on counts of aggravated assault-strangulation and obstructing/harassing 911 calls, according to police records in Douglas County, Ga. His bond was set at $25,000 on each count, and he was not in custody on Feb. 7, according to county records.

Court documents viewed by media outlets said Toney squeezed the women’s neck “with enough force to cause her to be unable to breath, leave red marks on her neck and cause Petechial Hemorrhaging in her eyes” during a Jan. 14 incident in Douglasville, Ga.

Toney allegedly took her phone to keep her from calling authorities, TMZ reported.

Warrants were issued on Jan. 15.

Toney spent part of last season with the Cleveland Browns, who signed him on Sept. 9. He alternated between the practice squad and active roster. He had zero catches on one target as well as two rushing attempts for minus-4 yards in three games.

He was released on Dec. 10, two days after a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Toney was penalized 15 yards for taunting after a punt return and also muffed a punt.

Injuries and off-field issues have marred Toney’s career. The New York Giants selected him with the 20th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Florida.

Toney has 82 career receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns as well as 23 rushing attempts for 115 yards and one TD in 35 regular-season games (10 starts) for the Giants (2021-22), Kansas City Chiefs (2022-23) and Browns (2024).

He also has seven catches for 50 yards and one touchdown in three playoff games for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs in 2022. Kansas City released him on Aug. 27, 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) controls the ball as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) defends during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Ravens rout Browns, clinch AFC North title

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Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes Saturday and Derrick Henry added two fourth-quarter scoring runs as the Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North title with a 35-10 win over the visiting Cleveland Browns.

Baltimore (12-5) will host a first-round playoff game next weekend as the No. 3 seed, while Cleveland (3-14) will start an offseason that could be rife with changes. A playoff team last season, the Browns could earn the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft if New England and Tennessee win on Sunday. They will draft no lower than third overall.

Jackson completed 16 of 32 passes for 217 yards while adding 63 yards on nine rushes, finishing the regular season with 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. Henry compiled 138 yards on 20 carries, giving him 1,921 yards and 16 rushing scores.

Bailey Zappe became Cleveland’s 40th starting quarterback since it re-entered the NFL 25 years ago and completed 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown. He also tossed two interceptions, Nate Wiggins returning the first one 26 yards to open the scoring at the 8:32 mark of the first quarter.

Jackson increased the lead to 14-0 with 11:03 left in the first half, connecting with tight end Mark Andrews on a 12-yard touchdown pass. It came seven plays after Corey Bojorquez shanked a 26-yard punt to the Browns’ 47.

Cleveland answered with its one good drive of the half, reaching the Ravens’ 5 before settling for Dustin Hopkins’ 23-yard field goal with 6:33 remaining.

The Ravens upped their advantage to 21-3 with 10:42 left in the third quarter when Jackson zipped a 7-yard dart over the middle to wide-open Rashod Bateman, finishing a 70-yard drive.

Zappe led the Browns’ only touchdown drive of the day, hitting Jordan Akins for a 16-yard touchdown pass at the 11:33 mark of the fourth quarter.

Henry closed the game out by scoring on Baltimore’s next two possessions. He powered over from the 2 with 6:44 remaining, then tacked on a 43-yard touchdown run with 3:04 on the clock.

–Field Level Media

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) laughs with teammates during warm ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns place DT Shelby Harris (elbow) on injured reserve

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The Cleveland Browns placed starting defensive tackle Shelby Harris on injured reserve on Thursday because of an elbow issue.

The Browns (3-12) host the Miami Dolphins (7-8) on Sunday before completing their season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who started last week’s 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and aggravated his calf injury, is expected to start against the Dolphins, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said Thursday.

“As of right now, I would say Dorian’s healthy,” Dorsey said. “He’s going to be our starter for this week and we’re moving forward with that mindset.”

Thompson-Robinson, 25, was 20-of-34 passing for 157 yards and two interceptions. He replaced starter Jameis Winston (shoulder), with Bailey Zappe serving as his backup.

Cleveland selected Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is 1-3 as a starter, with career totals of 95-of-180 passing for 697 yards, one touchdown and nine interceptions in 13 games.

Harris, who was injured during the 21-7 loss to Kansas City on Dec. 15, had started 13 of 14 games he played this season and totaled 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

The Oakland Raiders selected Harris in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Harris, 33, has 326 career tackles, 27.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, 60 quarterback hits, one interception and five forced fumbles in parts of 10 seasons with the Raiders (2014-15), Denver Broncos (2017-21), Seattle Seahawks (2022) and Browns (2023-present).

The Browns signed wide receiver and return man James Proche II from the practice squad to the active roster on Thursday, and signed defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour to the practice squad.

Proche, 28, has three receptions on three targets for 21 yards in seven games this season. He also has returned 18 punts for 163 yards for a 9.1 average. A sixth-round draft pick by Baltimore in 2020, Proche has 28 career receptions for 299 yards in 60 games (one start) for the Ravens (2020-22) and Browns (2023-present).

Dwumfour, 26, was in training camp and spent time on the Browns’ practice squad this year. He played in 12 NFL games with the Houston Texans (2021-22) and San Francisco 49ers (2022) and has 13 total tackles.

–Field Level Media

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is introduced before the game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns coach: RB Nick Chubb breaks foot vs. Chiefs

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Cleveland running back Nick Chubb broke his foot during the host Browns’ 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Chubb was injured during the third quarter and did not return to the game. He finished with nine carries for 41 yards and one fumble, and no receptions on one target.

A four-time Pro Bowl honoree, Chubb got a late start this season after sustaining multiple torn ligaments and undergoing two surgeries on his left knee following a season-ending injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 18, 2023.

Chubb, who turns 29 on Dec. 27, has started all eight games he has played this season and has 102 carries for 332 yards and three touchdowns, and five receptions for 31 yards and one score.

“I have a first-row seat to what he’s been able to do,” Stefanski said after Sunday’s game. “I can’t tell you how much I respect him as a person, what he means to this football team. So really, really disappointed about this injury. Does not change the fact that he continues to inspire this football team with how he approaches every single day. I know this is just another obstacle that he will overcome.”

Cleveland selected Chubb in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He has 6,843 yards and 51 TDs on the ground, and 1,042 receiving yards and five TDs in 85 regular-season games (78 starts).

He was selected for the Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons from 2019-22, topping 1,000 rushing yards in each campaign.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) celebrates during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns place CB Greg Newsome (hamstring) on IR, cut WR Kadarius Toney

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The Cleveland Browns placed cornerback Greg Newsome II on injured reserve, ending his season, and cut wide receiver Kadarius Toney among several roster moves on Tuesday.

Newsome injured his hamstring while on the punt return team in the final minutes of the 27-14 loss Sunday to the host Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s the same hamstring, according to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, that required surgery in the offseason and caused Newsome to miss all of training camp.

Newsome, 24, has played in all 13 games for the Browns (3-10) and made three starts. He has 27 tackles, five passes defended and one interception. The IR status requires Newsome miss at least four games, and Cleveland has four regular-season games remaining with no chance for the playoffs.

The Browns selected him 26th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Newsome has 155 tackles, 34 passes defended, three interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — and one sack in 54 games (42 starts).

Toney, 25, signed with the Browns on Sept. 9 and alternated between the practice squad and the active roster. He had zero catches on one target as well as two rushing attempts for minus-4 yards in three games.

Toney returned four punts for 44 yards against Pittsburgh, but that included being penalized for a taunting penalty on a fair catch. He also muffed a later punt on the same play that Newsome was injured. The Steelers recovered the ball and were able to run out the clock.

The 20th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Toney has 82 career receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns in 35 regular-season games (10 starts) for the Giants (2021-22), Kansas City Chiefs (2022-23) and Browns.

He also has seven catches for 50 yards and one touchdown in three playoff games for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs in 2022. Kansas City released him on Aug. 27.

The Browns also signed kicker Riley Patterson, offensive tackle Julian Pearl and wide receivers Kaden Davis and Jaelen Gill to the practice squad on Tuesday. Defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour was released from the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) calls out in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

AFC North-leading Steelers attempt to get even with Browns

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The Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers last month when a snowstorm greatly affected the scene in Cleveland.

When the teams reconvene 17 days later, the elements will be more conducive to playing football as the Browns visit the Steelers in an AFC North battle on Sunday.

The Browns upset Pittsburgh in the snowy conditions, wasting a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to trail 19-18 before scoring in the final minute for the 24-19 victory.

However, the odds aren’t good for a Cleveland sweep as the Browns have dropped 20 consecutive regular-season road games in Pittsburgh.

Cleveland did register a victory in Pittsburgh in an AFC wild-card playoff game following the 2020 season. However, the Browns’ last regular-season triumph there came on Oct. 5, 2003, when Tim Couch (Browns) and Tommy Maddox (Steelers) were the starting quarterbacks and Cleveland prevailed 33-13.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is not concerned about the long drought.

“We look forward to the challenge,” Stefanski said. “That’s the fun part of this business — going on the road and trying to get a win.”

Cleveland (3-9) is far removed from the AFC playoff picture, while Pittsburgh (9-3) leads the North by 1/12 games over the Baltimore Ravens.

The stumble in the snow was the Steelers’ lone loss in the past seven games. Pittsburgh bounced back with a 44-38 shootout win over the host Cincinnati Bengals last week.

The Steelers totaled 520 yards in the wild contest, but the guy enjoying it the least was Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.

The defensive-minded coach didn’t like seeing his squad involved in a game in which 82 points were scored.

“I don’t know that I’m ever comfortable planning to shoot out,” Tomlin said. “It’s just my background and my expertise. To be quite honest with you, I respect offenses and talented players, and I acknowledge when we’re faced with stiff challenges, but it doesn’t mean that I’ll ever be comfortable in those circumstances.

“I have certain expectations because of my professional journey on defense, that I expect us to slow those things down and minimize some of that and the rare instances that we don’t, I’m thankful that we have an offense that’s capable of matching it.”

Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns and had a season-best 414 passing yards against Cincinnati.

“It gives us a lot of momentum and everything else, but we have to use it for good,” Wilson said of the offensive splurge. “We have to be able to respond.”

Cleveland has been playing better on offense with James Winston at quarterback instead of injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles).

The Browns have scored 24 or more points in three of Winston’s five games as starter. The highest output with Watson was 18.

Winston established a franchise record with 497 passing yards on Monday in a 41-32 road loss against the Denver Broncos. He passed for four touchdowns but also threw three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns.

“It’s about executing when your team needs you the most,” Winston said. “I take pride in that and I’m going to keep working, I’m going to fix it. I will apologize to the guys, but I’m still good.

“Nothing’s going to change from a mental perspective, but the physical perspective, I will continue to work. I will be better, especially in the fourth quarter, when you have to be the best.”

Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy tormented the Broncos — his former team — with career highs of nine catches and 235 yards. Star defensive end Myles Garrett had three sacks in the recent win over Pittsburgh and is 1.5 away from 100 for his career.

Steelers star T.J. Watt (9.5 sacks) will receive help from fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle), who is back after missing three games. Highsmith was limited in practice on Wednesday, as was receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion).

Receivers Cedric Tillman (concussion) and Jamari Thrash (shoulder) sat out Wednesday for Cleveland. Also missing practice were offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), defensive tackle Sam Kamara (concussion) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf).

–Field Level Media

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) makes a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Broncos look to continue surge against upset-minded Browns

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Denver Broncos can take a major step toward a postseason berth when they host the Cleveland Browns on Monday night.

Denver (7-5) has won two straight games since falling to division rival Kansas City on a last-second blocked field goal. The Broncos enter Week 13 holding the seventh and final AFC playoff spot, and their bye awaits on the other side of “Monday Night Football” to reset them for the home stretch.

Optimism is on the rise in the Rocky Mountains after the Broncos completed a season sweep of the Las Vegas Raiders with a 29-19 road win last week.

“To come here and take care of business and get the win — the tide is turning,” receiver Courtland Sutton said postgame. “The Broncos are in the spot we want to be in, back in the AFC West (race), and that’s an exciting spot to be in.”

To notch their eighth win of the campaign, which would match last year’s total, the Broncos will have to defeat a Cleveland team that has won two of its past four games since Jameis Winston took over at quarterback for the injured Deshaun Watson.

The Browns (3-8) got 10 days between games after surprising the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 on “Thursday Night Football.” Winston threw for 219 yards and ran for a touchdown in the snow.

Winston and Broncos coach Sean Payton overlapped with the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and 2021. Winston became Payton’s starter for part of 2021 and went 5-2, and Payton on Wednesday praised his former QB’s “natural leadership abilities” while not discounting the 30-year-old’s talent.

“He has tremendous arm strength,” Payton said. “He can get the ball down the field. He can get rid of it, and he can still slide up in the pocket and run.”

Cleveland’s season may look lost on paper, but Winston is bringing a positive vibe after the team’s ugly 1-6 start under Watson. After downing both the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers, can the Browns trip up another AFC team above .500?

“Getting a win in this league is important regardless of who the opponent is,” Winston said. “And I know this is a great defense, I know that it’s a young kid from Alabama that’s playing some great football right now, so I think that will be an important win for the Cleveland Browns to go and scratch away a win in Denver.”

The young kid from Alabama is rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the former Auburn and Oregon star who followed up a 307-yard, four-touchdown game against the Atlanta Falcons with 273 yards and two TD passes against Las Vegas.

Nix has been sacked just once in each of the Broncos’ past two wins, but facing Myles Garrett is another prospect entirely. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year had three sacks and a forced fumble against Pittsburgh and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Garrett ranks among the league leaders with 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

“Happy for Myles, and also recognize that it takes everybody to achieve those (awards),” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “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.”

This game also brings Cleveland receiver Jerry Jeudy back to Denver after the Broncos traded him to the Browns in March. Jeudy has broken out while playing with Winston, collecting 24 catches for 379 yards and a touchdown in the past four games.

Nix was limited on Denver’s estimated practice report Thursday with a back injury, as was defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (shoulder). Cornerback Riley Moss (knee) sat out.

For Cleveland, tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion), wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) were out Thursday.

The Browns designated rookie cornerback Myles Harden to return to practice, opening his 21-day window. He had been on the IR with a shin injury since Sept. 12. He was limited Thursday, along with corner Greg Newsome II (abdomen) and tackle Germain Ifedi (biceps).

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs away from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

QB Russell Wilson stays in the moment as Steelers take on Browns

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Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”

The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.’”

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.

“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.

–Field Level Media