Tag: Cleveland

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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns, now in QB Jameis Winston’s hands, face stingy Chargers

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Jameis Winston was just an afterthought earlier this month when the Cleveland Browns had a full stable of quarterbacks.

But Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury changed the dynamic and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s injury to a throwing finger in the same Oct. 20 game fully opened the door for the 30-year-old Winston.

Winston excelled last weekend in his first start in 25-plus months. He will attempt to repeat the performance when the Browns host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Winston wiped off the cobwebs and passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-24 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The performance prompted Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski to anoint Winston as the starter for the rest of the season.

Winston wasn’t moved, saying there is only one thing on his list of goals.

“My main focus is getting back out there and having a great practice today and continuing to lead this offense to do what we’re capable of doing,” Winston said Wednesday.

There was a time when Winston owned the keys to a franchise. He was the No. 1 overall selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015 and made 70 regular-season starts over five seasons.

Results were mixed and the Buccaneers were ready to move on after Winston led the NFL in passing yardage (5,109) and interceptions (30) in the same campaign in 2019.

Winston then spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and started 10 games. He joined the Browns as a free agent in March, very aware that Watson would be the starter.

Now Winston will be the key figure if the underachieving Browns (2-6) are to get back into the playoff mix.

His second consecutive start comes against the Chargers (4-3), who are excelling in limiting opposing offenses. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring defense (13 points per game) and is eighth in total defense (305.4 yards per game).

Winston isn’t the least bit deterred.

“Our guys are physical,” Winston said. “Our guys are up for the challenge and I think that’s what football is. They got some good guys. I believe in my guys.”

The Chargers played a solid all-around game last weekend while posting a 26-8 home win over the New Orleans Saints. It was just their second victory since Sept. 15.

The scoring output matched a season high posted in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

Justin Herbert passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints after having a season-high 349 yards six days earlier in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The breakout star against New Orleans was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey is a second-round pick from Georgia.

“Any time you get in the end zone, it’s a big deal,” McConkey said. “Just glad I was able to contribute.”

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh raves about McConkey while Herbert spots a future standout.

“He’s a complete receiver,” Herbert said. “To have that short game and intermediate routes where he’s been so good at it, especially on third downs. Now you add open up some of those go balls that you have to respect … we’ve got a true ball player on our hands.”

Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa returned on a part-time basis against New Orleans after missing three games with a hip injury.

Bosa was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) all missed practice.

Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) will miss the contest. He was injured in Sunday’s game against the Ravens and spent the night in the hospital after being carted off the field.

Cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) missed practice Wednesday and was termed day-by-day by Stefanski. Also missing practice were guard Joel Bitonio (foot), middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) and defensive end Za’Darius Smith (illness).

The Chargers have won the past four meetings.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) falls while running the ball under coverage by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns rule out TE David Njoku, RB Pierre Strong vs. Giants

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The Cleveland Browns on Friday ruled out tight end David Njoku and running back Pierre Strong for Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants.

Njoku has missed practice all week because of an ankle injury sustained in Week 1, while Strong sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday after injuring his hamstring in the third quarter of last week’s game at Jacksonville.

A 2023 Pro Bowl selection, Njoku had four catches for 44 yards in the season-opening 33-17 loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

Njoku, 28, has 291 career receptions for 3,308 yards and 25 touchdowns in 96 games (67 starts) since the Browns selected him 29th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Miami.

Strong rushed one time for minus-5 yards in the 18-13 victory over the Jaguars last Sunday. He had two carries for 10 yards against Dallas.

New England drafted Strong in the fourth round in 2022 and he played in 15 games for the Patriots before they traded him in 2023 to the Browns. In 34 career games (one start), Strong has 76 carries for 396 yards and two touchdowns, and 15 receptions for 119 yards.

Browns right tackle Jack Conklin and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. are questionable for Sunday after missing the first two weeks with knee issues. Conklin was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday, while Wills was limited on both days.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said heading into practice Friday that they will be evaluated throughout the weekend to see if they can play on game day.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reacts after failing to convert on a first-half third down against the Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson will start vs. Jags as Browns keep issues off field

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NFL head coaches loathe distractions, but Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is dealing with a major one in Week 2.

Several days after Deshaun Watson was accused of a vicious sexual assault four years ago, he will start at quarterback when the Browns visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

Stefanski said the organization never considered having Watson sit out against Jacksonville.

“We’ll let due process play out and follow the NFL guidelines,” Stefanski said Wednesday. “We are 100 percent focused on Jacksonville, 100 percent focused on going on the road against a good football team and trying to find a way to get a ‘W.’”

The latest incident involving Watson overshadows a contest between two teams that lost their opening game of the season.

The Jaguars dropped a 20-17 decision to the host Miami Dolphins for their sixth setback in the past seven regular-season games. The Browns were beaten 33-17 by the visiting Dallas Cowboys as Watson was intercepted twice and sacked six times while passing for 169 yards and one touchdown.

One day after Cleveland’s dismal loss, a civil suit was filed Monday in Houston, alleging that Watson exposed himself and sexually assaulted a woman in her home.

During Watson’s time with the Houston Texas, he faced 24 claims of sexual misconduct from women, stemming from massage sessions. All but one of the cases were settled out of court, with the last one still pending. The NFL suspended him for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined him $5 million.

Just as he did in the previous cases, Watson denied the latest accusation. He said he is focused on the upcoming game.

“I focus on keeping the main thing the main thing,” Watson said of football. “That’s when I walk into this building, focusing on being the best quarterback that I can be, on the game plan and trying to be better than we were last week so we can get a ‘W.’”

Jacksonville also will be seeking improvement after letting a 17-7 halftime lead get away against the Dolphins.

The Jaguars failed on all five of their third-down conversion attempts in the second half and had just one first down in the fourth quarter.

“We’re better than how we finished,” Jaguars tight end Evan Engram said. “We feel like we’re a great team and we’re going to work to be a great team. But great teams finish.”

Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 162 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-21 passing.

Lawrence said he has put the Miami loss in the rearview mirror and doesn’t want to see the Jags fall into a 0-2 hole.

“Don’t get too high or too low,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “You can’t be down in the dumps too much and beat yourself up and let it affect your confidence.”

The big challenge for the Jaguars is rebounding quickly. They open the season by playing four consecutive 2023 playoff teams. The following two games are both on the road, against the Buffalo Bills on a Monday night and the Houston Texans.

The Browns will be without tight end David Njoku, who injured an ankle in a loss to the Cowboys. Stefanski said the club is hopeful Njoku can avoid being placed on injured reserve.

Cleveland did put four defensive players on IR on Wednesday — defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (ankle), linebackers Tony Fields II (ankle) and Mohamoud Diabate (hip) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf).

Starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills (knee) and Jack Conklin (knee) are making progress after missing the Dallas games. Conklin practiced on Wednesday. Wills did not.

Cornerback Myles Harden (shin) also missed practice for Cleveland.

Jacksonville cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) was the lone player on his squad to miss the Wednesday practice.

The Jaguars lead the series 12-7, but the Browns have won the past two. Last season, Cleveland never trailed while notching a 31-27 home victory in Week 14.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) before the game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos, Browns try to keep winning streaks going

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The Denver Broncos and visiting Cleveland Browns will look to extend their respective season-high winning streaks at the other’s expense on Sunday.

The Broncos (5-5), in fact, are seeking their first five-game winning streak since the 2015 season. Denver boasts a plus-11 turnover margin during its current win streak to reside at plus-6 for the season, which ranks tied for sixth in the NFL.

The Browns (7-3) have overcome myriad injuries to win three in a row and five of six overall and move within a half-game of the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North.

Denver evened its record last Sunday after posting a 21-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Courtland Sutton reeled in a touchdown reception from Russell Wilson in his fifth straight game to boost his season TD total to eight, which ranks second only to Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill (10) in the NFL.

“He’s a special player, he’s one of the best in the game,” Wilson said Wednesday. “Courtland’s been dedicated to the game, his craft, his practice every day — his leadership is unbelievable. He’s one of the best guys to be as a teammate.”

With a touchdown reception Sunday, Sutton will become the first Broncos wideout since Wes Welker (2013) to find the end zone in six straight games.

The Broncos’ 23rd-ranked offense has a tall order in store against the Browns, who boast the NFL’s top defense (243.3 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (143.7). There’s also the matter of containing Myles Garrett (league-leading 13 sacks), who is the fourth player since 1982 with at least 13 sacks in four of his first seven NFL seasons.

Making his second career start, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson completed four straight passes to set up Dustin Hopkins’ 34-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in a 13-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.

A far-from-perfect performance, Thompson-Robinson finished 24-for-43 for 165 yards and an interception after being ushered into the starting role following the season-ending shoulder injury to franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco was signed by the Browns this week to provide veteran leadership for Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick out of UCLA.

Thompson-Robinson, 24, admitted he’s not threatened by the arrival of Flacco. In fact, he labeled the addition of the 38-year-old as “more of a blessing than anything” for the Browns.

“Like I said, I’m asking him a bunch of questions,” Thompson-Robinson said. “We were chopping it up a stuff ton this morning. He’s in the early meetings with us and me and P.J. (Walker) now, so it’s great, man. He’s fit in so well, and, like I said, I’ve only known him for just about a day with him being here. So I love Joe. It’s been awesome.”

Cleveland’s passing attack will not have to deal with safety Kareem Jackson on Sunday. Jackson’s four-game suspension for his hit on Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs was upheld on Tuesday.

Denver safety P.J. Locke (ankle) was limited in Thursday’s practice and a full participant Friday but is listed as questionable. Running back Samaje Perine (back) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (back) practiced Thursday and Friday and will play Sunday, as will defensive tackle D.J. Jones (knee).

For the Browns, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion) and cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) did not practice Friday and were ruled out. Free safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and middle linebacker Anthony Walker (hamstring) are listed as questionable. Inside linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk (knee) practiced Thursday and Friday but is listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media