The Cleveland Browns sent home edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney from practice on Friday after he told Cleveland.com that he was 95 percent sure that he would not be with the team in 2023, NFL Network reports.
In 12 games this season, Clowney only has two sacks and one forced fumble along with 28 combined tackles. He views players, such as Myles Garrett, as the stars that are taking away from his production. Overall, Clowney was disgruntled, and he made it known to the media on Thursday.
“Ninety-five percent sure I won’t be back,” Clowney told cleveland.com. “But there’s still that 5 percent. You never know what can happen.”
Clowney, 29, believes that the Browns have failed to put him in positions to consistently succeed. He missed four games this season due to a concussion and a nagging ankle injury. As of now, his game status for Sunday is still uncertain after the comments were said.
There is precedence for this under Kevin Stefanski, as the Browns sent home a similarly disgruntled Odell Beckham Jr. last year during that situation. They alter released him. That won’t happen with Clowney, but his comments plus this move essentially mean that Clowney will not return in 2023.
If Clowney does not play, Chase Winovich, Alex Wright, and Isaiah Thomas will see more playing time against the Steelers. As always, Myles Garrett will be the main focus in the pass rush department, but losing Clowney could hurt Cleveland’s pass rush that much more.