AFC North Notebook: Browns Defend a Teammate, Ravens Navigate Injuries, Steelers Search for Answers
It was a fiery week in the AFC North, both on and off the field. From emotional postgame comments in Cleveland to a mounting injury list in Baltimore and a frustrated quarterback in Pittsburgh, the division continues to deliver drama as we head into the final stretch of the regular season. Let’s break down where things stand.
Browns Rally Around Maliek Collins After Heated Exchange
The Browns’ locker room was still simmering after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, but the focus wasn’t just on the scoreboard. Defensive tackle Shelby Harris didn’t mince words when addressing comments allegedly made by 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings during the game - specifically during the moment when fellow DT Maliek Collins went down with a season-ending injury.
Harris, clearly emotional, called out Jennings for what he described as crossing a line.
“He’s a hoe. And I want that known,” Harris said.
“I see why he got punched in the nuts. Cause he says some things that you should not say to another man, ever.
But I don’t respect it because you say that, then run behind your offensive line. That’s some real soft [stuff], and I want that known.
I see exactly why they punched you in the nuts, and I’m surprised nobody has punched him in the jaw yet.”
There’s always going to be trash talk in the NFL - it’s part of the game. But when it veers into personal territory, especially involving family, players tend to take that seriously. The Browns clearly felt Jennings crossed a line, and Harris’ comments reflect a locker room that’s standing firmly behind Collins.
Shedeur Sanders’ Pocket Time Raises Eyebrows
On the field, the Browns are still trying to find consistency on offense. One stat that jumped out from Sunday’s game: quarterback Shedeur Sanders averaged 3.37 seconds to throw - the longest time to throw by a Browns QB in the past three seasons.
That number tells us two things. First, the offensive line gave Sanders time - at least on some plays - to go through his progressions.
But it also suggests that either the receivers weren’t getting separation or Sanders was holding onto the ball too long, trying to make something happen. Either way, it’s an area the Browns will need to clean up, especially as the playoff race tightens.
Injury Report: Browns Lose Teller, Monitor Sampson and Conklin
Injuries continue to test the Browns’ depth. Head coach Kevin Stefanski provided updates on several key players:
- RB Dylan Sampson is day-to-day.
- RT Jack Conklin is in the concussion protocol.
- RG Wyatt Teller is week-to-week with a calf injury and will miss Week 14.
With Teller sidelined, Teven Jenkins will step into the starting role at right guard. Jenkins has shown flashes of strong play in limited action, but stepping into the starting lineup during a playoff push is a different kind of challenge. The Browns are hoping he’s up to the task.
Ravens Dealing with a Wave of Injuries
In Baltimore, the Ravens are managing a growing list of injuries as they try to maintain their spot atop the AFC North.
Head coach John Harbaugh said CB Nate Wiggins is day-to-day with a foot issue, while there’s optimism that OLB Tavius Robinson (foot) and DB Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles) could return to practice this week.
However, the news wasn’t all encouraging. LB Chandler Martin will undergo season-ending ACL surgery, a tough blow for a defense that’s already had to shuffle personnel throughout the year. The Ravens also expect to be without RB Justice Hill for the next three to four weeks due to injury.
Adding to the drama, DL Dre’Mont Jones was fined $14,055 for a violent gesture - another reminder of how thin the margin for error is when emotions run high late in the season.
Steelers Offense Hits Rock Bottom, Rodgers Calls for Accountability
In Pittsburgh, the offense hit a new low in a 26-7 home loss to the Bills - a game that not only dropped the Steelers out of the current playoff picture but also drew loud boos from the home crowd. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t shy away from the criticism, acknowledging the fans’ frustration and owning the offense’s struggles.
“I totally understand the frustration,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been booed on offense, even in Green Bay, over the years. That was a boo-worthy performance.”
Rodgers also pointed to preparation and accountability as areas that need immediate improvement.
“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up, and when I check to a route, you do the right route. We have our meetings every week. We have other opportunities outside of the facility, and I look forward to seeing all the boys there.”
It’s clear Rodgers is trying to set a tone - not just with his words, but with his expectations. At this point in the season, there’s no time for miscommunication or missed assignments. If the Steelers want to climb back into the playoff picture, it’s going to start with sharper execution and a collective buy-in from the entire offense.
Final Thoughts
The AFC North remains one of the most competitive - and emotionally charged - divisions in football. The Browns are navigating injuries and locker room tension.
The Ravens are trying to hold their roster together for the stretch run. And the Steelers are searching for answers on offense with a veteran quarterback leading the charge.
December football is here, and every snap matters. Buckle up.