AFC Notes: Browns, Chargers, Patriots

Browns

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk spoke to a league source who predicted earlier in the week that a Browns loss to the Jets could result in major changes of some sort. Although, Florio says it’s unclear what these changes would be.
• Florio adds that some in league circles have pointed to the Browns’ strategy of stockpiling draft picks as a way for them to continue to sell the notion that the best is yet to come for the team and in turn avoiding accountability for the current state of the franchise.

Chargers

• Eric D. Williams writes that RB Austin Ekeler could see more time on offense while Branden Oliver is out with an injury.
• Williams adds that it would make more sense for the Chargers to run more with Michael Schofield potentially starting at right tackle.

Patriots

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, the salaries for the Patriots’ practice squad members are:

1. CB Ryan Lewis — $465,000
2. DE Angelo Blackson — $255,000
3. QB Taylor Heinicke — $255,000
4. WR Cody Hollister — $122,400
5. C James Ferentz — $122,400
6. S David Jones — $122,400
7. G Jason King — $122,400
8. WR Riley McCarron — $122,400
9. S Damarius Travis — $122,400
10. S Jomal Wiltz — $122,400

• Reiss writes that if the Patriots’ Week 5 game had been on Sunday and not Thursday, TE Rob Gronkowski probably would have been active.
• As of now, Gronkowski is in line to earn $6.75 million in incentives based on playing 70 percent of the team’s snaps this year, according to Reiss. Gronkowski can earn up to $10.75 million if he’s able to play 90 percent of the team’s snaps or hit the receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns or All-Pro recognition incentives included in the contract.
• According to Reiss, it’s fair to wonder how safe LB David Harris’ spot with the Patriots is, barring a significant injury to another player. Reiss adds that his sense is Harris’ lack of speed is the main reason he hasn’t seen more playing time.