Three days after Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick knocked him out cold, Cleveland Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion was back on the practice field. The No. 24 overall pick ran routes, caught passes and fielded punts on a limited basis Wednesday while still in the concussion protocol, and he remains a candidate to play Sunday when Cleveland hosts the Baltimore Ravens.
A welcome surprise after a scary hit
Concepcion was knocked out in the first quarter of Sunday’s 17-12 loss to the Jets. Fitzpatrick was flagged 15 yards for unnecessary roughness on a defenseless receiver but was not ejected. Concepcion regained consciousness, walked off the field and later posted on social media that he was doing well. Seeing him practice Wednesday was the clearest piece of positive news on an otherwise battered Browns injury report.
“Just from a player’s health perspective, it’s cool that it wasn’t worse than it was, and so that’s probably the biggest thing from a health standpoint,” head coach Todd Monken said.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson did not call the play dirty. “I know Minkah was just making a play and trying to make a play,” Watson said. “But, yeah, I guess it’s football. I’m just glad that KC is healthy and he’s doing a lot better for sure.”
Still in protocol, still in the mix for Sunday
Concepcion was listed as limited with a concussion. He must clear the remaining steps of the protocol and get neurologist clearance before he can play. Through five games he has 18 catches for 149 yards without a touchdown, and Cleveland (3-2) needs him with several other starters sidelined ahead of the Ravens (4-1).
Fellow rookie receiver Denzel Boston (foot) and Tylan Wallace (knee) were also limited Wednesday. Running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) and several defensive linemen did not practice. The Browns also opened Dylan Sampson’s IR return window, though Sampson did not participate in the open portion of practice.
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