Browns' Jackson (concussion) hopes to play Sunday
Cleveland Browns middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson returned to practice Thursday and said he would be ready to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Jackson left last week's loss to the New York Giants late in the first half with a concussion. He said he only felt woozy for about 10 minutes but understood he could not return to the game due to concerns about concussions.
In Jackson's absence, the Giants averaged 8 yards per carry and broke two runs longer than 20 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw had 135 of his 200 yards rushing after Jackson left the game.
Jackson alone won't solve the Browns' run defense issues. The rush defense has been poor, with or without Jackson. The Browns are giving up 142 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 26th in the league.
"We've just got to give up less points," defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said. "I don't ever mind bleeding a team -- we're not concerned with yardage -- but when they get into the end zone as often as they did last week, it's never a good thing no matter how they do it."
