CLEVELAND — Browns rookie running back Duke Johnson is following the NFL’s protocol on head injuries after sustaining a concussion in Saturday’s win over Tampa Bay.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said Sunday he does not know when Johnson will return. The team has big plans for the versatile Johnson, who was making his preseason debut after being out with a hamstring injury.
With Johnson out, Pettine said the Browns will consider signing another running back. Pettine wouldn’t say if former Baltimore back Ray Rice is a possibility.
Quarterback Josh McCown, who threw two touchdown passes in Cleveland’s 31-7 win, will not play in Thursday’s exhibition finale at Chicago.
DECISION LOOMING
Terrelle Pryor, slowed by a hamstring injury while making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver, did not dress. Coach Mike Pettine made it clear the Browns will not guarantee him a roster spot, so Pryor needs to show something soon.
INJURY UPDATE
Browns: CB Pierre Desir left in the second quarter and was evaluated for a concussion. CB Charles departed in the third quarter with a sore hamstring. Several key players, including Haden and Gipson, played after being out with injuries. QB Johnny Manziel did not play, shut down for the remainder of the preseason because of a sore right elbow.
Lima Senior sells football tickets
Pre- Sale tickets for Lima Senior’s home football opener versus Marion Harding on Friday will be on sale Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Tickets will be on sale on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the Lima Senior athletic department via the activities entrance.
Pre-Sale tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults. All tickets at the gate are $7.
Turner Field US flag at half-staff after fan dies in fall
ATLANTA The U.S. flag flew at half-staff at Turner Field on Sunday, one day after a fan died following his fall from the upper deck into the lower-level stands during a game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.
Mary Beth Hauptle, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner, identified the victim as Gregory K. Murrey, 60, of Alpharetta, Georgia. Murrey was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The Braves said Sunday they are “deeply saddened” by Murrey’s death.
The Braves displayed a photo of Murrey on the videoboard and observed a moment of silence before Sunday’s game.
The fall in the seventh inning immediately followed the introduction of Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez as a pinch hitter.
Lt. Charles Hampton of the Atlanta Police Department homicide unit said foul play is not suspected at this point. He said no fans were hurt in the 200-level seats where the man fell from section 401, landing close to an area where players’ wives and families sit.
This was the third fan death from a fall at Turner Field in eight seasons. In 2013, a fan’s death was ruled a suicide; In 2008, police cited alcohol as a factor after a man died.
Major League Baseball said it had been in contact with the Braves and was monitoring the situation.
A sellout crowd of 49,243 was the largest of the season at Turner Field. The Braves are set to move into a new suburban stadium in 2017.
Adam Staudacher and his girlfriend were returning to their seats near where Murrey fell.
Staudacher, 33, from Atlanta, said it appeared Murrey landed headfirst on a 3-foot-wide walkway between sections.
Maria Sharapova pulls out of US Open
The U.S. Tennis Association says Maria Sharapova is pulling out of the U.S. Open on the eve of the tournament because of a leg injury.
It’s the second time in three years that the 2006 champion has withdrawn from the year’s last Grand Slam event.
Sharapova has not played a match since losing to Serena Williams in the Wimbledon semifinals in July. She withdrew from hard-court tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati in August, citing a right leg strain.
Sharapova is a five-time major champion who was seeded No. 2 for the U.S. Open, where play begins Monday.
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