The Browns will wrap up their three game home stand when the Chargers come to Cleveland in Week 9.
"Great challenge this week. AFC opponent, really well coached," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Plus six turnover margin. They're allowing the fewest points in the NFL and just really an impressive group overall. So, big week of preparation for us, and we're starting that right now."
Here are the top pieces of news and notes entering Week 9.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out for Week 9
Stefanski announced LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will be out for Week 9 against the Chargers. He did not practice on Wednesday.
"He was here today. He's home now," Stefanski said. "He's getting better, but no update past that."
Owusu-Koramoah sustained a neck injury in Week 8 against the Ravens, in which he was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. He was kept overnight as a precaution and released from the hospital on Monday.
"He's been unbelievable," CB Greg Newsome II said. "I think he's the best linebacker in the entire NFL. So, losing a guy like that is definitely very hard. But we got guys that stepped up for him in those moments – like Mohamoud Diabate played unbelievable out there. We got Winston Reid. We got a lot of guys that can fill that void as best as they can. It's definitely hard to replace a guy like JOK, he's one of a kind."
Denzel Ward working through concussion protocol
CB Denzel Ward who is in the concussion protocol following a head injury in Week 8, is day to day with a concussion. He did not practice on Wednesday, but Stefanski said Ward is considered day to day as they work through the protocol.
While the Browns await to see how Ward progresses, Newsome knows that he and the other cornerbacks will have to step up and be prepared.
"Another position where we could possibly lose the best cornerback in the NFL," Newsome said. "At the end of the day, we got to find a way to win. Definitely will be challenged a little bit more if he's not able to play, and I've got to step my game up. I definitely think I'm primed for the ability to step up, and I know MJ (Emerson) is as well, and Cam (Mitchell). At the end of the day, we got to carry that torch that he's been providing on the field every day, we just have to find a way to fill that void as best as possible."
Jameis Winston starting quarterback for remainder of season
Stefanski confirmed QB Jameis Winston will be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Winston earned his first start for the Browns in Week 8 against the Ravens and led the team to a 29-24 win over the Ravens.
"Yes, but as you know we're all day to day," Stefanski said of Winston starting the remainder of the season.
Hearing that he was made the starter for the remainder of the season doesn't change Winston's approach to his preparation. Through his 10 years of experience in the league, learning from other starting quarterbacks, Winston knows what is required to succeed as a starting quarterback. And he continues to hold himself to that high standard.
Winston was also named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 8, when he threw for 334 passing yards and three touchdowns in his first start for the Browns.
"I think any individual recognition or accolades that our guys get are great, and they also reflect well on the collective," Stefanski said. "So happy for Jameis and happy for what that means for the football team."
