Browns Report 9/15 – Injury Updates and Player/Coach’s Comments

Injuries and Coach’s Comments Leading Up to the MNF Game Against the Steelers

1 – Injuries 

Juan Thornhill is still sitting out in practice and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned to the press that Thornhill is day-to-day currently with his calf injury.

Multiple defensive tackles also did not practice on Thursday Shelby Harris (Achilles), Maurice Hurst (hamstring), and Siaki Ika (foot). 

2 – Watson Wet Weather Issues  

The press asked Browns QB Deshaun Watson how the weather in the Bengals game affected Watson’s throwing ability:

“It was very wet so, the ball was heavy. Sometimes the weather factors in and you have to change your game plan. But hopefully, it’s clear skies on Monday night and we can really get the offense going and throw the ball around a little bit.”

Watson was also asked if that was the reason why he was gripping the ball too hard:

“It’s part of it. You just have to try to factor (it) and control the ball so it doesn’t slip out your hand.”

Watson has three starts in Cleveland and has faced bad weather conditions with wind, cold, and rain. Hopefully, in his next start at home against Tennesee, he finally gets a dry day.

3 – Stefanski on Dawand Jones 

Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski was asked on Thursday about rookie OT Dawand Jones going up against TJ Watt:

“You know, I think oftentimes you want to break it down to a one-on-one matchup. But the truth is, it’s our offense versus their defense. And certainly with the rushers that they have on the other side, you have to really look at it that way and say, it’s our scheme, it’s our players. Certainly, with Dawand, he’s going to get plenty of opportunities versus TJ Watt, who’s a premier rusher in this league. So those are the competitive nature of our game. It does come down to one-on-one matchups at times, so I know he’s going to work really hard this week to prepare himself.”

Big test for Jones against Watt, and one that can really sink the Browns.  Watt has tortured the Browns in past games, especially in Pittsburgh.