AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

• Bengals HC Zac Taylor explained WR John Ross‘ illness designation on Friday by saying: “He’s sick. His stomach bothers him. It is what it is. He’s listed with (an) illness and he’s trying to work through it.” (Ben Baby)
• The Bengals are working out DB Brian Allen and TE Troy Fumagalli. (Aaron Wilson)
• Bengals signed G Quinton Spain to their practice squad. (NFLTR)
• Bengals released DE Kendall Futrell from their practice squad.
• OUT for Week 8: T Bobby Hart (knee), C Trey Hopkins (concussion), RB Joe Mixon (foot), T Jonah Williams (stinger)
• DOUBTFUL for Week 8: WR John Ross (illness)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 8: CB Darius Phillips (knee)

Browns

The strong play of DE Myles Garrett has certainly put his teammates and coaches on notice, including G Joel Bitonio and HC Kevin Stefanski. 

“He is on a mission, mentally. Physically, he has always been a freak and the way he can bend and move is just impressive,” Bitonio said, via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com. “He has always been there, but I think with missing some games last year (on a suspension) and being injured a couple of times, I think he wants to be on a mission to prove that he is the best pass rusher in the NFL.”

Garrett also tweaked his ankle on Sunday against the Bengals which Stefanski said was “nothing more than that.”

“He has been a game-changer. He has changed the game many times this season,” Stefanski said. “That is those sack-fumbles — he has four — that is changing the game. It is changing the outcome of games. He knows that we are counting on him, he is a great football player, and we are going to need him for the rest of this season to continue to apply pressure to the Q, get the ball out. He is the straw that stirs the drink there.” 

• Regarding Odell Beckham, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says that teams would likely be willing to trade for him under his current contract, which includes base salaries of $13.75 million in 2022 and 2023, and no guarantees after next season.
• Aaron Wilson reports that free agent WR Quartney Davis is in Cleveland for his pending workout for the Browns. (Aaron Wilson)
• OUT for Week 8: TE Austin Hooper (abdomen), LB Jacob Phillips (knee), G Wyatt Teller (calf)

Ravens

• Per the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens OC Greg Roman said the plan is to work WR Dez Bryant in gradually: “We’re getting him up to speed with our offense and we’ll kind of take that day-to-day. It’s good to have him aboard.”
• Ravens HC John Harbaugh said Friday that Bryant had a good week. “It’s only three practices in after quite a layoff, but he looked good and he’s excited.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley said of his new contract extension: “I was just very happy to see all the work and all the dedication pay off. I’m very proud of everything that everyone in my circle has been through.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Stanley mentioned that he was pretty certain that a deal would get done before the end of the season: “We all know we’re a family here and we we’re all on the same page about what we’re trying to build here – and that’s long-term success.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• DOUBTFUL for Week 8: RB Mark Ingram (ankle)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 8: S Anthony Levine (abdomen), CB Jimmy Smith (achilles)