Browns receiver KC Concepcion clears concussion protocol after Minkah Fitzpatrick hit

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion cleared concussion protocol on Friday, October 16, and will play in Sunday's game. ProFootballTalk and Yahoo NFL reported that Concepcion suffered his first diagnosed concussion from a hit by New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during a Week 5 game. [1][3][4]

The play occurred when Fitzpatrick delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit that left Concepcion face down on the field for several minutes, according to Yahoo NFL. The hit drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty during the game. Fitzpatrick subsequently received a fine from the NFL, which Yahoo NFL noted typically ranges from $23,882 to $47,762. [1][3][4]

Fitzpatrick stated that he plans to appeal the league fine, calling the collision a normal football play. Speaking through Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, Concepcion defended the safety on Friday, stating that he does not view the hit as dirty and describing it as just a football play. [1][3][4]

Fitzpatrick was selected 11th overall in the 2018 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins and spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Jets. Cleveland.com reports that Concepcion will play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. [1][5][10][12]