AFC Notes: Broncos, Browns, Josh Gordon

Broncos

• Mike Klis mentions that he wouldn’t be a surprise is if the Broncos are interested in bringing LB Corey Nelson, who was released by the Eagles on Sunday, back even though they have depth at linebacker.
• Klis reports that Broncos S Shamarko Thomas is still being evaluated by Broncos trainers for an eye injury, but it does not appear he suffered a detached retina, as previously reported.

Browns

Browns DC Gregg Williams told reporters that he’s glad first-round CB Denzel Ward‘s injury is just back spasms and not something worse, but he’s hoping this will result in Ward listening more to him.

“I was glad to hear (it wasn’t serious) and maybe he’ll finally listen to me and stop doing those stupid things the way he’s trying to tackle and tackle the way I tell him to tackle and he won’t get hurt,” Williams said, via Cleveland.com.

Williams added that Ward needs to stay healthy or “he’s not a football player.”

“I’m not a doctor. I’m not a trainer,” said Williams. “He needs to make sure he’s doing all the things he needs to do to stay on the field. Otherwise, hey, he’s not a football player.”

When asked if Ward’s tackling was something he learned in college, Wiliams said:
“No, it’s just all young rookies. Rookies have to understand this is not a scholarship league. You have to stay healthy and be on the field. If you’re not on the field, then you’re not helping us, and that’s what you have to do. You have to be on the field and play.”

Josh Gordon

Browns HC Hue Jackson said WR Josh Gordon is “very close” to returning and his hamstring injury is improving.

“Josh [Gordon] is very close. He was in a helmet and shoulder pads today, just to get a feel for playing with those things. The hamstring is getting better,” said Jackson, via Brian Dulik.