KC Concepcion Says “It Wasn’t a Dirty Hit” After Concussion, and His Own Teammate Is NOT Having It

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion is cleared to play this Sunday after suffering a concussion last week, but it is his take on the helmet-to-helmet hit that sent him to protocol that is got everyone talking, especially his own offensive line. Concepcion went down hard last Sunday from a hit by New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during Cleveland’s 17-12 road loss.

“Just a Football Play,” Says Rookie, But Not Everyone Agrees

Even though Concepcion practiced in full Friday and will be back on the field Sunday, the hit itself sparked some serious debate. Browns offensive lineman Dawand Jones took exception to the play, clearly feeling it crossed a line. Fitzpatrick even got a personal foul for unnecessary roughness, so the refs were definitely with Jones on that one. But Concepcion, the 22-year-old Texas A&M star picked 24th overall in the 2026 NFL draft, sees it differently. He told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com Friday, “I know the game that I signed up to play. This game is a very physical game. To me, it wasn’t a dirty hit. It was just a football play.” Browns head coach Todd Monken also weighed in, but Concepcion’s words are the ones ringing loudest right now.

Rookie Star Ready to Roll for Crucial AFC North Clash

Concepcion is not just some rookie, he is already a key piece for the Browns. Through five games, he has hauled in 18 passes on 29 targets for 149 yards. He truly showed out in a 27-24 home win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, snagging five passes for a career-high 64 yards. He is even tied for the team lead in catches with tight end Harold Fannin and running back Quinshon Judkins. Getting him back on the field is massive, especially with what is coming up.

This Sunday, Concepcion and the Browns are hosting Baltimore for a crucial AFC North battle against the first-place Ravens at 1 p.m. ET. With the division lead on the line, every play and every player counts. Let us see if Concepcion’s tough talk translates to a tough performance.

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by Bleacher Report.