Jets Beat Browns 17-12 as Concepcion Leaves With Head Injury

The New York Jets defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-12 on October 11 at MetLife Stadium, while a helmet-to-helmet hit by Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick left Browns rookie receiver KC Concepcion out of the game with a head injury. Officials penalized Fitzpatrick for unnecessary roughness after the collision in the first quarter. Concepcion walked off the field under his own power and was ruled out. The reports do not establish that he was cleared to return or provide a return date. His status depended on the league’s concussion evaluation process. Browns tackle Dawand Jones confronted Fitzpatrick after the hit. Jones later condemned the play, saying, “That’s not football.” Jets coach Aaron Glenn offered a different characterization after the game, saying Fitzpatrick had initially tried to tackle with his shoulder and did not intend to injure Concepcion. Glenn also said Fitzpatrick was not a dirty player. The accounts leave the question of intent disputed. Jones criticized the hit, while Glenn defended Fitzpatrick; neither statement establishes what Fitzpatrick intended.