Clowney likely to play today despite ailments
BEREA — Starting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice Friday, a sign he’s planning to play today when the Browns (4-4) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (5-3) for a crucial AFC North matchup.
Clowney sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday and is dealing with ankle, knee and hip issues, according to the injury report. He was a limited participant in Friday’s practice.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Clowney played in Sunday’s 15-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after missing practice all last week. He logged 55 of the defense’s 74 snaps (74%) and had two tackles for loss.
The Browns listed Clowney as questionable to face the
Bengals along with cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring), wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin), defensive end Takk McKinley (groin) and tight end Harrison Bryant (thigh).
Ward and McKinley missed the Steelers game. Peoples-Jones sat out the past two games. They were all limited in Friday’s practice. Bryant didn’t practice Friday after being added to the injury report Thursday.
Stefanski said Clowney and McKinley are “trending in the right direction” to face the Bengals. Stefanski added he’s “feeling good about a lot of those guys” who are listed as questionable being able to play.
The Browns ruled out AllPro right tackle Jack Conklin, who will miss multiple weeks with the dislocated elbow he suffered against the Steelers. Blake Hance will start in his place.
Garrett says he needs to be ‘legendary’
Browns two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett continues to lead the league in sacks with 10.5, but said he needs to do more.
The Browns have only five takeaways (one by linebacker
Sione Takitaki on special teams) and Garrett said he plays a part in that, with no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries.
That prompted Garrett to tweet Tuesday, “Great isn’t good enough right now. I need to be better, will be better. Seasons not over, jobs not finished.”
Asked what’s above great, Garrett said, “Legendary, so I guess I’ve got to be that. Got the sacks but haven’t gotten the ball out. Made some plays in the run, got some TFLs (11), but need some more fumbles, need some bigger plays, need something that’s going to change the momentum of games.
“Sacks have been great, it’s knocked them back, it’s held some points off the board. We need to start getting points on the board from us being on the field and I think I can be the cause of that whether that’s me dropping back or me being a force in the pass rush.”
Garrett said he’s found it difficult to knock the ball loose from quarterbacks early in games.
“In the beginning of a game, you’re trying to get the ball out and it seems like they’re throwing it fast or I have to work through a couple guys or three guys, whatever it is,” he said. “Then you’re just occupied with just getting there and then once you get there, he’s holding the ball and you’re just taking him down, so you didn’t get the ball out. It’s kind of walking that fine line.”
The Browns’ three forced fumbles have come from linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Greedy Williams.