MYLES GARRETT

Five players, including dynamic pass catchers Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams, are unanimous choices for The Associated Press 2021 NFL All-Pro Team.

The Browns got a welcomed reprieve after days of positive COVID-19 tests.

Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes, Myles Garrett scored his first career TD and the Cleveland Browns stayed in the thick of the playoff race, surviving Baltimore’s late comeback for a 24-22 win.

The Dallas Cowboys have decided to hold quarterback Dak Prescott out of their game at Minnesota because of a strained right calf muscle.

The Broncos and Broncos look a lot alike these days and it's not just their orange-toned uniforms.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is tackling quarterbacks on the field and burying them in his front yard.

Browns running back Nick Chubb will miss Sunday’s game against the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals with a calf injury.

Keeping slippery Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray under control is a difficult challenge for any defense — even in the best of circumstances. Cleveland had an all-star roster of injured players not practicing Wednesday as it began preparing for Murray and the unbeaten Cardinals (5-0). NFL sacks leader Myles Garrett, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were among a group of key Cleveland players kept off the field because of injuries.

Takk McKinley was touched as he looked around the room and saw Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney and Cleveland's other defensive linemen applauding his return to the Browns after a three-week absence. McKinley spoke Thursday for the first time since coming back from an excused leave during training camp to address personal problems that he's keeping private. The 25-year-old former first-round draft pick, whose promising NFL career has been hindered by injuries and selfish behavior, said he was moved by the strong support he received from the Browns while dealing with his issues.

Myles Garrett made a franchise record 4 1/2 sacks on Justin Fields and Cleveland brought down Chicago’s rookie quarterback nine times while harassing him throughout his first NFL start as the Browns thumped the Bears 26-6.

Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene.

Browns center JC Tretter believes Kansas City assistant coach Greg Lewis should be disciplined by the NFL for his role in a sideline skirmish with Cleveland safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. on Sunday.

Case Keenum showed why Cleveland invested in him to back up Baker Mayfield, throwing a touchdown pass and leading the Browns to a 17-13 win over the New York Giants in an exhibition game.

Mack Wilson’s shoulder injury could push Browns rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah into the starting lineup sooner than expected.

Trevor Lawrence’s professional debut opened with a sack and a fumble, hardly ideal but not too concerning for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s knee looks fine for football.

NFL teams are getting their first real look at their new players during rookie minicamps this weekend.

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Free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has signed a one-year, $10 million contact with the Cleveland Browns.

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)Just like so many painful playoff losses in their past, the Browns came up achingly short — inches from a game-swinging play, inches from a last chance. After trailing 19-3, the Browns (12-6) fought back and were in position to maybe end the Super Bowl champions' one-year reign. "There is a finality to this one when you do not get it done in the playoffs, and that really hurts. However, Kansas City's defense dug in and forced the Browns to punt with 4:19 left. As they watched on the sideline, Mayfield and his offensive teammates felt that with one last chance, the Chiefs were finished.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates as he walks off the field following a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. The Cleveland Browns overcame all of it. The Browns dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37 in the wild-card round Sunday night, picking up the franchise’s first postseason victory in more than a quarter-century and earning a trip to Kansas City next Sunday to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. The kick bounced into the end zone for a touchback and Mayfield calmly took Cleveland 80 yards in six plays. So much for the Browns being the Browns, a winking assessment Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster made about Cleveland in the middle of the week.

Donald was selected Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, to The Associated Press All-Pro Team. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)Dynamic defensive star Aaron Donald and unstoppable tight end Travis Kelce are unanimous choices Friday for The Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team. It is the sixth All-Pro selection for Donald, who has helped the Los Angeles Rams to the top-ranked defense in the NFL, and the third for Kansas City's record-setting Kelce. Rounding out the offense are Cleveland right tackle Jack Conklin (second selection), and Washington right guard Brandon Scherff (first). The long snapper position is new to the All-Pro Team in 2020, and Baltimore's Morgan Cox is the choice.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates after the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns, winless just three seasons ago and so bad for so long, are in the playoffs. The Browns and their passionate fan base endured 197 losses, 14 double-digit-loss seasons and seven coaches since the last playoff appearance. For the moment he got to Cleveland in 2018, Landry's goal was to get the Browns back to the postseason. Steelers: Will be back at full strength for their first playoff appearance since the 2017 season.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to let Ben Roethlisberger rest up for the playoffs. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger will not play when the AFC North champion Steelers (12-3) visit rival Cleveland (10-5) in the regular-season finale on Sunday. The Browns drilled the Steelers 21-7 on Nov. 14, 2019, a game in which Rudolph threw four interceptions. Garrett's first game against the Steelers this season was uneventful, a 38-7 Pittsburgh win on Oct. 18 in which Rudolph actually came on in mop-up duty of Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter.

FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, in Cleveland. The Browns will try to earn a playoff spot without four wide receivers, including star Landry, their starting middle linebacker and his replacement due to COVID-19 protocols. But despite the six players being out, an NFL spokesman said Cleveland's game at the New York Jets will be played as scheduled on Sunday, Dec. 27. Cleveland's game against the New York Jets will be played as scheduled, an NFL spokesman said. Like numerous NFL teams, the Browns have been dealing with positive cases for most of the season.

Tucker, who made 70 straight field goals inside 40 yards before he missed last week, had plenty of distance on his kick to give the Ravens (8-5) a much-needed win. It was a gut punch for the Browns (9-4), who had rallied from a 14-point deficit to take the lead while Jackson was out. He drove the Browns 75 yards, hitting running back Kareem Hunt for a 22-yard TD pass with 1:04 left. Cleveland was counting on Williams to handle the starting cornerback spot opposite Denzel Ward, who missed his third straight game with a calf injury. Browns: Make the first of two straight weekend visits to the New York area and play the Giants on Dec. 20.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)Seattle's star quarterback, Russell Wilson, and Kansas City's standout tight end, Travis Kelce, are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. “The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees remind us that even in the face of adversity, players continue to raise awareness and use their voice and platform to positively impact their communities. “Being nominated as the Chiefs' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Kelce said. As an organization captain, he directs a team of active NFL players who are committed to using their platform to help address the clean water crisis.

The Browns had their best-scoring half ever, leading 38-7 at halftime, topping the 35 points scored in the second half at Cincinnati in 2004. The Titans made it interesting late, outscoring the Browns 28-3 in the second half. Mayfield became the first Browns quarterback to throw four TDs in the first half since Hall of Famer Otto Graham in 1951. That’s the guy that the Cleveland Browns know who he is. Tennessee opened the second half scoring back-to-back touchdowns within the first six minutes.

CLEVELAND – Myles Garrett pushes, shoves and fights 300-pound offensive linemen on a nearly daily basis for a living. “Kicked my butt,” the Browns star said Friday. As his sickness dragged on, he grew concerned about heart problems, which can occur in some COVID patients. "I’m feeling as normal as I’m going to. So I’m treating it as if I’m picking up right where I left off.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Mississippi has paused football team activities until at least next Wednesday because of new COVID-19 cases. Ole Miss will work with the Southeastern Conference to determine the effects of the pause on those games. ___The Cleveland Browns got two more players back from the COVID-19 list, activating starting linebacker Sione Takitaki and defensive end Joe Jackson on Friday. Earlier this week, the team activated star defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed the past two games after getting sick. He was placed on the COVID-19 list Nov. 24.

(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)In this strangest of NFL seasons in this weirdest of years, here's a matchup of division leaders you wouldn't expect: Seattle hosting the New York Giants. “If you win your division, you win your division,” Carroll says, and he knows: Seattle went 7-9 in 2010 and won the NFC West, then beat New Orleans in a playoff game. Patrick Mahomes has thrown for at least 300 yards seven times this season and has 22 straight games with at least one TD passing. New England has won the past five meetings, including a 2018 divisional playoff game. Chargers WR Keenan Allen leads the NFL with 85 receptions and has a TD catch in five straight games.

FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) rushes the passer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland, in this Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Michigan’s football game this weekend against Maryland has been canceled, and the Wolverines are pausing practice until Monday. “We’d be able to play as of right now, with no more” positive tests, Kiffin said. ___Kent State’s football game at Miami (Ohio) scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Golden Flashes’ program. Linebacker Sione Takitaki and defensive ends Porter Gustin and Joe Jackson remain isolated following positive tests.

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) plays against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland. The team also placed dependable long snapper Charley Hughlett on the growing list. Stefanski said Garrett has not tested positive. The NFL created the COVID list for players who either tested positive or have had close contact with an infected person or persons. They also put quarterback Baker Mayfield on the COVID list for a few days after he had contact with a staffer who tested positive.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr celebrates after the Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns 16-6 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND – Derek Carr had no idea where his passes were going or what the weather was doing. The wind, who knows what it was?”But the winter-like weather didn't stop Carr or the Raiders. After that, it was tough.”Using running back Josh Jacobs and a short passing game, Carr controlled the clock in the second half and kept the ball away from the Browns (5-3). The Raiders appeared to take the lead in the second quarter when Carr connected with Henry Ruggs III in the back right corner of the end zone.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) pulls off his helmet on the sideline after being sacked by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Pittsburgh. The passing game came next, quickly followed by the optimism that somehow things would be different for the Cleveland Browns. The result when the Steelers host the Browns does not. James Conner ran for 101 yards and a touchdown, Ben Roethlisberger passed for 169 yards and a score and Pittsburgh's defense chased aching Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield in the third quarter. Pittsburgh sacked Mayfield four times and picked him off twice — including Minkah Fitzpatrick's 33-yard sprint to the end zone on Cleveland's first possession.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) and quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrate after a 15-yard touchdown by Higgins during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)CLEVELAND – Bill Belichick was their coach and Nick Saban on his staff the last time Cleveland Browns were this good this early. Just three years removed from 0-16, the Browns are 4-1 for the first time since ‘94 — Belichick’s fourth season. “We needed a play to be made — and I’m greedy when it comes to that.”On the Colts' next possession, Browns safety Sheldrick Redwine, who came in while Harrison was being evaluated for a concussion, picked off Rivers. Mayfield showed patience on his 2-yard scoring pass to Hunt, which gave the Browns a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter.

For Mayfield, it was a porous Cowboys pass defense that was poor against the run this time as well. For Garrett, it was an undrafted rookie right tackle who was overmatched against the star defensive end. Mayfield threw for two touchdowns, one of which was set up when Garrett had a strip sack for the third straight game, and the Browns held on for a 49-38 victory over the Cowboys to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2001. The Cowboys got within a field goal with three straight touchdowns followed by successful 2-point conversions. Cowboys: C Joe Looney injured his right knee on the first offensive play of the game and didn't return.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Cleveland. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, who threw three TD passes and showed incredible poise in just his second game. Burrow's third TD pass — a 9-yarder to Tyler Boyd with 43 seconds left — pulled the Bengals within five, but the Browns recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock. But the reigning Heisman Trophy winner matched Mayfield pass for pass and showed why the Bengals believe he can turn them around. Uzomah in the second quarter, but Cincinnati's defense couldn't slow down the Browns and Mayfield tossed a 6-yard TD pass to a wide-open Hunt gave Cleveland a 21-10 lead.

The Cleveland Browns' star defensive end can't undo his helmet-swinging attack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph last season or the six-game NFL suspension that ensued. The Browns, led by rookie coach Kevin Stefanski, open their season at Baltimore against defending league MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Garrett has claimed Rudolph used a racial slur to provoke him, a charge the QB has strongly denied. In the aftermath of his actions, Garrett was banned indefinitely and the Browns' defense struggled mightily without him. Through his behavior, Garrett let the Browns down, and the incident with Rudolph scarred the No.

COSTA MESA, Calif. Joey Bosa has become the NFLs highest-paid defensive player after signing a five-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Bosa and the Chargers reached agreement on a new deal Tuesday night. The five-year extension is worth $135 million, which includes $78 million guaranteed at signing and $102 million overall. That contract included $100 million guaranteed for Garrett, a defensive end who was the top pick in 2017. Last year, Bosa became the first Chargers player since Kevin Burnett in 2010 to record three straight multi-sack games.

COSTA MESA, Calif. Defensive end Joey Bosa has agreed to a contact extension that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Two people familiar with the deal said the five-year extension is worth $135 million, which includes $78 million guaranteed at signing and $102 million overall. That contract included $100 million guaranteed for Garrett, a defensive end who was the top pick in 2017. The Chargers confirmed Bosa has agreed to the extension but did not disclose financial terms. Bosas extension also prevents the Chargers from having a messy holdout situation for the second straight season.

Garrett knows his ugly, helmet-swinging assault on Rudolph last season will always follow him. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)Myles Garrett knows his shocking, helmet-swinging assault on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph last season will always follow him. Garrett thinks so, too, and wants to reward the Browns for their loyalty. Even before he tore off Rudolph's helmet, Garrett had been penalized and fined for other aggressive play last season. Garrett wants more.

The Browns are closing in on a massive contract extension with Garrett, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. It didn't change how the Cleveland Browns feel about him. The team signed Garrett to a five-year, $125 million contract extension on Wednesday, making the talented edge rusher the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. Hell make $4.6 million in 2020 and $15.18 million next season before the extension kicks in. In 2017, the Cleveland Browns bet on me, he said.

The Browns remain interested in Clowney, the talented defensive end _ and former No. The Browns remain interested in Clowney, the talented defensive end and the No. During a Zoom meeting with reporters on Thursday, Woods praised Clowney but deferred any questions about the Browns' pursuit of the speedy edge rusher to general manager Andrew Berry. Obviously, he has been a really good player in this league, a great pass rusher when he was in Houston, in Seattle," Woods said. But until Clowney, who reportedly turned down an offer from the Browns already, decides what he wants to do, it's still in play.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has been reinstated from his indefinite suspension, the National Football League announced Wednesday. Garrett was suspended for his role in a brawl between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. In the closing seconds of the November 14 game between the Steelers and the Browns, Garrett and Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph began fighting. Garrett appealed his suspension, claiming during a hearing that he lost his temper after Rudolph called him a racial slur. Garrett said it was never his intention for that information to become public, but following the decision to uphold the suspension, he reiterated his claim.