Jadeveon Clowney in concussion protocol after Browns win over Ravens

On Dec 18, 2022

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) in the second quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals led 13-3 at halftime.

Jadeveon Clowney left Saturday’s 13-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens with a head injury. On Sunday, coach Kevin Stefanski said the Browns edge rusher is in the concussion protocol.

“We’ve talked about JD a lot,” Stefanski said on a Zoom call with media. “Just about his length, his disruption, certainly has been productive for us in the run and the pass. So if we are without him − and as you know with concussions, it’s hard to predict − but if you are without him, you need guys to step up. I thought Alex Wright had some really good moments in this game, Chase Winovich as well. So guys will have to step up if we’re without him.”

Clowney walked to the locker room with less than a minute remaining in the first half Saturday, accompanied by trainers. The Browns quickly ruled him out to start the second half.

When the locker room opened to the media following the game, Clowney was there, talking to a few teammates. He didn’t speak to any reporters before leaving.

Clowney played 22 defensive snaps against the Ravens, as well as two snaps on special teams. He finished with one assisted tackle, but was around the ball on several other occasions, including a key early fourth-down stop at the Browns 7.

Teammate Myles Garrett indicated after the game that Clowney’s injury had occurred when he was thrown into Clowney during a run play. The last time Clowney was on the field was for Justin Tucker’s 53-yard field goal with 5:31 remaining.

“I gave him a little kiss on one of those run plays,” Garrett said after the game. “I got tossed into him and so it’s happened before. I’m not worried about him, but we were definitely ready to pick up the slack when he goes out.”

The next time the Ravens had the ball, with 1:47 remaining in the half, Garrett has shifted over the Clowney’s normal spot on the left side of the Browns’ defensive line. Chase Winovich is at the other end position.

Clowney missed three games in a four-game stretch in September and October due to the effects of an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2 against the New York Jets. He was out for Weeks 3 and 4 against Pittsburgh and Atlanta, returned for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, before missing the Week 6 loss to New England.

On the season, Clowney has 23 combined tackles, including 11 solo, in 11 games played this season. He’s recorded two sacks, three pass defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.