AFC Notes: Browns, Chargers, Ravens

Browns

Browns’ RB coach Stump Mitchell still believes without a doubt that running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will both rush for 1,000 yards this season.

“That’s going to happen,” Mitchell said, via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com. “I knew that was going to happen before the season started. That was our goal. So that’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of what game it’s going to happen.”

Mitchell isn’t even fazed by the fact that Chubb has missed several weeks due to an injury.

“It doesn’t matter. That’s Nick,” Mitchell said. “He can miss four games. A thousand yards — we’re talking Nick. It doesn’t matter. He’s fresher now. He’s going to do what he needs to do. The offensive line is doing a heck of a job, the tight ends, and the wide receivers and, of course, Coach (Kevin) Stefanski is doing a heck of a job of calling the plays. It’s just a matter of time. We’re looking now for that next win. A thousand yards will come.”

• Petrak notes that Browns’ FB Andy Janovich is ready to go after missing two games due to testing positive for COVID-19.

Chargers

• Daniel Popper of The Athletic says it is much too early to label rookie LB Kenneth Murray a bust but says that he is playing inconsistently and much too slow in a large role on the defense.
• Popper adds that he is confident in DE Uchenna Nwosu being a strong replacement if the Chargers and veteran DE Melvin Ingram part ways in 2021.
• Chargers activated LB Asmar Bilal from injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Chargers promoted LB Cole Christiansen and NT Breiden Fehoko to their active roster. 

Ravens

Regarding the Ravens’ COVID-19 situation, president Dick Cass said in a statement that he is aware that some at the organization did not follow the league’s protocol. 

“Despite our best efforts, the protocol is only as effective as our weakest link. … Everyone must comply with the protocol to avoid infecting many. We now know that not everyone at the Ravens followed the protocol thoroughly,” wrote Cass, via Jamison Hensley.

Cass said the NFL informed them that the Ravens had at least “four uniques strains” of COVID-19 within its locker room. 

“Based on information provided by NFL, we have learned that we had at least four unique strains of COVID-19 in our facility. 3 of the 4 were stopped and not spread within organization. Unfortunately, the 4thwas a highly-contagious strain and spread throughout our organization,” added Cass, via Hensley.

Cass explained that even “99 percent compliance” can result in the transmission of the virus. 

“As the recent experience has shown us, this virus does not need a large opening to spread within an organization, and 99 percent compliance is not a passing grade when dealing with this virus,” said Cass, via Hensley.