AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

After being benched just hours before the trade deadline, Bengals QB Andy Dalton expressed frustration at the team’s timing that gave him almost no time to find a trade and a starting opportunity elsewhere. However, Bengals HC Zac Taylor said after that Dalton was a model teammate and backup quarterback. He was rewarded by getting his starting job back and leading the Bengals to their first win of the season on Sunday against the Jets. 

“When [Dalton] was frustrated about something, he didn’t [say] it in the locker room, he came to my office and we talked it through,” Taylor said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “He’s a competitor. The trade stuff was him just wanting to play. He wanted to help the team win, and that [desire to leave] quickly passed. He was a great backup for us. He really helped Finley through everything he could without Ryan feeling the pressure of Andy being there behind him. He kept being a leader for us. I’ll never forget that.”

• According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Dalton said he “absolutely” would want to return to the Bengals next season if they want him back: “I have no idea what’s going to happen. I’m just going to do all I can to win the last four games.”

Browns

• Per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, Browns HC Freddie Kitchens said QB Baker Mayfield‘s hand injury during Sunday’s loss to the Steelers wasn’t serious: “Baker should be fine this week.”
• Kitchens told reporters the team is moving on from benching S Damarious Randall for Sunday’s game: “His status going forward is he’ll come back this week and I’m assuming he’ll do everything he can to be on the field.” (Scott Petrak)
• Browns OT Greg Robinson remains in the concussion protocol, while the team is also evaluating second-round rookie CB Greedy Williams for a shoulder injury. (Nate Ulrich)
• Kitchens said he’s not concerned about his job security. (Nick Shook)
• The Browns tried out DE Ade Aruna, DT Terry Beckner and LB Trevon Young on Monday. (Howard Balzer)

Ravens

• Per the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens HC John Harbaugh said LB Patrick Onwuasor is still dealing with a high ankle sprain: “It’s painful. No big setbacks but he’s dealing with it.”
• Ravens waived S Bennett Jackson. (NFLTR)