cleveland browns McCoy shoulder ‘fine’

By Nate Ulrich

Akron Beacon Journal

BEREA

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has absorbed some brutal hits this season, including the shot he took Sunday from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith.

Despite the scare, McCoy won’t be sidelined, coach Pat Shurmur said. That’s good news for the Browns (4-6), because McCoy has had two of his best games in the past two weeks, and Shurmur is looking for his young quarterback to keep improving.

“I think there are some areas where he’s exerting himself more,” Shurmur said. “I thought starting the year that Colt was a rookie.

“This is going into Week 12, and I think he’s had the benefit of those other games he has played. There are some areas where I see he’s getting it. Then there are other areas where we’re still working.”

On second-and-goal from the Jaguars’ 7-yard line, McCoy threw a pass to running back Chris Ogbonnaya in the back corner of the end zone, and safety Dawan Landry was called for pass interference. After the play, McCoy rose to one knee but had to be helped up by left tackle Joe Thomas.

McCoy’s throwing shoulder was hurt, and it became more obvious in the third quarter after he was sacked by linebacker Paul Posluszny on third down.

McCoy got up slowly and ran off the field with his right arm hanging at his side. When he reached the sideline, he whipped off his helmet and threw it.

Still, McCoy didn’t miss a snap. He will practice all week in preparation for Sunday’s road game against the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4), Shurmur said.

“He got banged around a little bit and, yeah, it was his shoulder,” Shurmur said. “But he’s fine. We didn’t go through any major evaluation of him, so he’s fine.

“Don’t ask about the MRI. I don’t think he had one. I don’t think he needs one.”

McCoy pinched a nerve in his right shoulder during the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, the final game of his college career.

He said the injury lingered and bothered him throughout last season, when he was a rookie with the Browns.

Shurmur said he doesn’t know if McCoy’s current injury is related to his old one. However, Shurmur is certain McCoy has grit.

“I’m gaining a very strong appreciation for how tough he is,” Shurmur said.

“And that really is the cornerstone of what makes a good football player.”