BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns quarterback Colt McCoy says he doesn’t blame Cleveland’s medical staff for how they handled his head injury.
Sporting a newly grown beard, McCoy says he’s making progress from the concussion, which he sustained on a helmet-to-helmet by Steelers linebacker James Harrison on Dec. 8. McCoy declined several chances to discuss the specifics of his injury or his lingering symptoms.
McCoy wasn’t tested for a concussion until after the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was sent back into the game after missing just two plays.
He spoke to the media Thursday for the first time since he was diagnosed with a concussion.
McCoy says he does not have concerns the concussion will affect his career long-term. He also doesn’t believe Harrison delivered a cheap shot when he flattened him in the fourth quarter.
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Browns quarterback Colt McCoy still can’t practice three weeks after sustaining a concussion.
McCoy hasn’t been cleared by team doctors and likely will miss his third straight game Sunday against Pittsburgh. McCoy hasn’t practiced or played since he was blasted by Steelers linebacker James Harrison on Dec. 8. Harrison was suspended one game for the illegal helmet-to-helmet shot.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur has not yet ruled out McCoy for the season finale, but it’s almost certain he won’t play and backup Seneca Wallace will make his third start in a row.
McCoy has not spoken to the media since he got hurt. He recently resumed physical activities.
The Browns have had nine players sustain 12 concussions, and McCoy’s might be the most serious. Tight end Benjamin Watson also missed three games, but the team placed him on injured reserve after he suffered his third concussion since July.
Shurmur said McCoy has improved and doesn’t believe the second-year QB will have long-term effects from Harrison’s hit.
“He’s getting better every day,” Shurmur said. “Every injury’s different. Every rehab’s different.”
Shurmur would not specify what symptoms McCoy is still experiencing. He said the 25-year-old is eager to get back on the field.
“He’s been good,” Shurmur said. “He’s anxious to get out there and play, but he realizes there’s a process he has to go through. He’s like any player who wants to compete. He looks fine. I don’t ask him every moment how he’s feeling.”
