KC Concepcion Defends Minkah Fitzpatrick After Concussion Despite Comments from Browns OL

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion suffered a concussion last Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet hit by New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during Cleveland's 17-12 road loss.

Browns offensive lineman Dawand Jones took exception to the hit:

Concepcion, who cleared concussion protocol, practiced in full Friday and will play Sunday at home vs. the Baltimore Ravens, offered his take on the matter.

"I know the game that I signed up to play," Concepcion said Friday, via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. "This game is a very physical game. To me, it wasn't a dirty hit. It was just a football play."

Fitzpatrick received a personal foul for unnecessary roughness. Browns head coach Todd Monken also provided his thoughts on the matter.

The 22-year-old Concepcion went 24th overall in the 2026 NFL draft. The Texas A&M star has caught 18 passes (29 targets) for 149 yards through five games. He particularly excelled in a 27-24 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching five passes for a career-high 64 yards.

Concepcion is also tied for the team lead in catches with tight end Harold Fannin and running back Quinshon Judkins.

He'll be back on Sunday when the Browns host Baltimore for a crucial AFC North battle against the first-place Ravens at 1 p.m. ET.