AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals first-round QB Joe Burrow is on pace to blow by the NFL record for passing yards by a rookie quarterback and the No. 1 overall pick this year notched his second win by helping take down the Titans in a big upset on Sunday. Burrow says part of the reason for his success beyond his years is he doesn’t view himself as a rookie quarterback. 

“I don’t think I’m a rookie anymore either,” Burrow said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “I’ve got eight games under my belt. And everybody always says this guy’s going to make rookie mistakes or this guy plays like a rookie. I don’t want people to say that about me. I’ve had some turnovers in the last few games that I wish I could take back, but I think for the most part I’ve prepared well, played well and done what I’ve needed to do. So it does give me confidence. And I just need to continue that.”

• Per Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Bengals C Billy Price was grateful to get a game ball for his performance in Sunday’s win against the Titans after a rough few seasons for the former first-round pick: “It means a lot. It’s respectable to understand my value in this organization. I definitely appreciate that. Over the past two years, this process, the highs, the lows, it’s nice to be rewarded.” 
• Bengals DT Mike Daniels said the initial prognosis on his elbow injury was just two weeks so he’s ready to go. (Ben Baby)

Browns

• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says his understanding is a really good deal, like for a mid-round pick, would potentially be enough for the Browns to trade TE David Njoku, who has garnered some interest at the trade deadline. 
• Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot says Browns DE Myles Garrett was limited to just under half of the snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders because of his knee injury. Garrett is having an MRI but hopes to be able to play after the team’s bye week. 
• Browns HC Kevin Stefanski confirmed the report: “Nothing structurally significant, so we should have him available definitely for the next ball game.” (Nate Ulrich)
• The Browns elected to meet virtually Monday after a player reported symptoms. (Mike Garafolo)

Ravens

• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle. He also probably has torn ligaments, however, Rapoport notes he should be able to make a full recovery for 2021. 
• Ravens HC John Harbaugh said Stanley’s long-term prognosis is good and the hope is to have him back for OTAs. (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Ravens third-round OL Tyre Phillips has a high-ankle sprain, while RB Mark Ingram could potentially return this week from his own high-ankle sprain, per Harbaugh. (Gabrielle DiPaula)
• After being placed on the COVID-19 list, Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey is out 10 days and won’t play against the Colts this week. (Zrebiec)
• Harbaugh said he texted WR Marquise Brown and asked him to take down his tweet complaining about his lack of usage in the passing game: “I promise you we’re trying to use all of our guys. He’s probably a little frustrated. He’s not a selfish guy. I don’t believe he is for one second. If he was, he wouldn’t play as hard as he did or be the good guy that he is around the building.” (Jamison Hensley)

Steelers

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Steelers DL Cameron Heyward has a minor quad injury. 
• Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers plan for new LB Avery Williamson to serve as depth behind Robert Spillane, who will remain the starter for now. 
• Williamson is unlikely to play this week against the Cowboys as he won’t clear the protocols until Saturday. (Dulac)
• Steelers DT Tyson Alualu appears to have a sprained MCL, though he’s getting an MRI to confirm. It will keep him out for some time but not the whole season. (Jeremy Fowler)