The Cleveland Browns will have veteran guard Joel Bitonio in the lineup when they face the Green Bay Packers, despite the All-Pro battling through a lingering injury. Bitonio, known for his toughness and consistency, has been limited in practice but is expected to suit up, providing a crucial boost to the Browns’ offensive line against a physical Packers front.

“You want to be on the football team if you have 22 of them, and you’re going to be tough to beat. So, I mean, believe it, believe me, he gets all the respect in the world from the guys in this locker room and from everybody in this building. He’s a warrior, and you know that’s what this game’s all about, and you know, he kind of just. I think he takes that stuff to heart, and he wants to be there for his guys, and you’ve got to respect the hell out of that,“ Joe Flacco said during a pre-game press meet.

Due to a back issue, Bitonio missed all of practice during the week. According to Bitonio, the back problem is comparable to other ones he has faced.  According to Stefanski, Bitonio is making progress, but they want to check in with him every day to track any advancements. “The hardest part is you don’t know when it’s going to pop up. But once it does happen, I do know what has helped it in the past, and now you’re just hoping that the 48 hours and stuff will get through it,” Bitonio said.

Following a pregame workout in which general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski observed, Bitonio was given the all-clear. Stefanski believes Bitonio’s expertise as a veteran will allow him to enter the game without a weeklong practice if available. His presence will be especially important with the offense still finding its rhythm early in the season.

Offensive gesture by Jeudy costs week 3

Jerry Jeudy gave the Ravens the finger during the pregame introductions. However, the Browns will be without wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and backup quarterback Joe Flacco. Jeudy, who was acquired in a high-profile offseason trade, will be held out after he prompted some offensive behavior. A significant fine was imposed on the Browns’ star as a result of Jeudy’s gesture, which did not sit well with the NFL league office or the Ravens fans.

“We haven’t, and maybe at some point you have to, but I would hope not. It’s funny because I get these questions up here, but I’m not really. I don’t really think about those things. You know, listen. I want to go out there. I do want to go out there and throw for 300 every day and do all those things. I want him to have 100 and 50 every week. But that’s just not how this league works. All the time, you’ve got to stay patient, and when your number’s called. I think if you are in that patient mindset, then you’re going to be the most ready to strike. Opportunity is ready for you, and I think that’s all we can do,” Joe Flacco said.

The NFL has fined Jeudy $14,491 for the gesture. Since the fine did not occur during the game, it was not included in the league’s weekly distribution of in-game fines. In the end, the message was ineffective. By winning 41–17, the Ravens more than doubled the spread. Baltimore established the tone early on and didn’t let it go. Cleveland’s offense was unable to put together enough successful plays to stay in the game as the Ravens’ offense settled into a rhythm and took advantage of mismatches.

Cleveland is clearly focused on balancing competitiveness with long-term health. With Bitonio pushing through, but Jeudy sidelined, the Browns hope to hold their ground while keeping key players ready for the long season ahead.