CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday, and today we learned that Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins cast doubt on the Browns’ ability to compete in the game before it was announced he -- oops -- will not actually compete in the game.
During last week’s playoff game between the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, Watkins tweeted about the craziness of the game, which started with a fumble recovered for a touchdown and the Browns taking an early 28-0 lead over PIttsburgh.
“This is a video game wth is going on. This is weird. I'm speechless. I'm pretty sure the whole world is shocked bc I never seen anything like this in my life, not in the NFL.!” Watkins tweeted.
This is a video game wth is going on this is weird I’m speechless pretty sure the whole world is shocked bc I never seen anything like this in my life not in the NFL.! 😳😳😳
— King me (@sammywatkins) January 11, 2021
After someone replied to Watkins saying “Looks like we got some comp next week,” he responded by shrugging Cleveland off.
“I wouldn’t go that far lol,” Watkins responded.
I wouldn’t go that far lol..!
— King me (@sammywatkins) January 11, 2021
After practice on Thursday, Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry and running back Kareem Hunt were asked about Watkins comments and both wanted to let their play do the talking.
“No, I have not seen [the tweet]. I have not seen it. Listen, I can’t get into these Twitter wars and these media wars with these guys. We just have an opportunity to play this Sunday, and I am looking forward to it.” Landry said.
Hunt, a former Chief who played with Watkins in 2018, shared a similar sentiment.
“We will just see them Sunday. We will let the play do the talking. There is nothing else to be said. If he believes that, we will see what he thinks after the game,” Hunt said.
The Browns will not be able to see how competitive Watkins is on Sunday as he was ruled out for the contest Friday afternoon. The Chiefs ruled Watkins and linebacker Willie Gay out for Sunday’s game, Gay with an ankle injury and Watkins with a calf injury.
Kansas City also listed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire as questionable, as well as cornerback Rashad Fenton and tight end Deon Yelder.
As for the Browns, Cleveland entered Friday’s practice the healthiest the team has been in some time, clearing Joel Bitonio from the reserve/COVID-19 list and welcoming back defensive backs coach Jeff Howard and tight ends coach Drew Petzing after being out with COVID-19.
In their returns, the Browns have cleared all their players and coaches from COVID-19 after weeks of issues.
Cleveland is still dealing with some injuries, with right tackle Jack Conklin, linebacker B.J. Goodson and tight ends David Njoku and Stephen Carlson listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Njoku, Goodson and Conklin were able to practice Friday, albeit limited, which bodes well for their possible availability on Sunday.
No matter how healthy the Browns are come Sunday, defeating the Chiefs will be no small task. The reigning Super Bowl champs will pose a challenge, but the Browns are looking to live up to that challenge.
“We’re here, we might as well be great. Nobody’s satisfied with just getting a ticket to the dance, you want to dance with the pretty girl, you want to shoot your shot," said Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
RELATED: Browns activate 3-time Pro-Bowl Guard Joel Bitonio from COVID-19 list
