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Cleveland Browns' secondary takes another hit as E.J. Gaines enters NFL Concussion Protocol

An already depleted Cleveland Browns secondary took another hit Thursday as cornerback E.J. Gaines entered NFL Concussion Protocol and is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

CLEVELAND -- As if the wide receiver position and status of offensive lineman JC Tretter were not enough, the Cleveland Browns got more bad news on the injury front Thursday, and it comes in an already thin secondary.

Defensive back E.J. Gaines reported symptoms of a concussion, and after an evaluation, was placed in NFL Concussion Protocol prior to Thursday’s practice at team headquarters in Berea, and Browns coach Hue Jackson expects him to miss Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

“Once they put him in, nothing that we can do about it,” Jackson said.

Credit: Cary Edmondson
Oakland Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86) leaps over Cleveland Browns defensive back E.J. Gaines (28) during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum.

Gaines tallied 11 total tackles, including nine solo stops and two assists, with one interception and three passes defended in five games with the Browns this season, including starts at cornerback in the last two contests because Terrance Mitchell suffered a broken arm in a 45-42 overtime loss at the Oakland Raiders on September 30.

“Did not take a hit or anything like that,” Jackson said when asked if Gaines was hurt in practice. “Just kind of strange, but that is how that stuff works. We will have to work through it.

“Gaines did not hurt himself at practice. Gaines came in and had symptoms. It has nothing to do with practice. Practice was yesterday. This happened today. I just think it was something that had been lingering. Maybe he did not say much. When they put them into the protocol, once they check them, that is what it is. That is how it is.”

Credit: Cary Edmondson
Cleveland Browns defensive back E.J. Gaines (28) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum.

Should Gaines be out against the Buccaneers, the Browns will move T.J. Carrie into the starting lineup and Briean Boddy-Calhoun to the nickel spot, and there will be no shortage of tests, as Tampa Bay has a trio of talented receivers for Jameis Winston to distribute the ball to at all levels of the field.

Mike Evans leads the way for the Buccaneers with 33 receptions, which he has turned into 484 yards and three touchdowns. Despite not being Tampa Bay’s leading yards getter, Evans averages 14.7 yards per reception.

Then, there are DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin, who have combined to catch 42 passes for 750 yards and seven touchdowns. Godwin has the team lead with four touchdown catches, and Jackson has a Buccaneers-best 501 receiving yards.

“It stresses the coaches, too -- the guys, coaches, everybody,” Jackson said.

“They all are making plays. They have all scored touchdowns. Then, you throw the tight ends in there, too. They have some weapons, guys that can score the ball. It is a big challenge for us. Have to go play well.”

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