Cleveland Browns rookie receiver KC Concepcion left Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans after a hard fall during the second quarter. He was trying to catch a pass from Deshaun Watson when he went down on the turf. The pass appeared catchable, but Concepcion could not complete the catch. He went to the medical tent and did not return during the remainder of the series.
The nature and severity of the injury were not immediately known. Concepcion entered the game with 37 receptions for 437 yards and one touchdown, ranking third on the team in receiving behind Denzel Boston and Harold Fannin Jr. If he misses additional time, Watson could lose a receiver who had put up two of Cleveland’s most productive performances over the previous three weeks.
## Concepcion Had an Injury Scare Against New Orleans
The incident marked the second straight game in which Concepcion required attention from the Browns’ medical staff. A week earlier against New Orleans, he went down while cutting during a third-quarter route and needed help reaching the sideline before entering the medical tent.
Concepcion returned to field a punt early in the fourth quarter and later made the biggest play of his young NFL career. He caught a pass from Shedeur Sanders and ran 64 yards for his first NFL touchdown, giving Cleveland the lead. He finished the game with four catches for 85 yards in a 23–22 overtime loss. Two games earlier, he had recorded eight receptions for 129 yards against Tennessee.
Concepcion said Wednesday that the ankle injury from the Saints game was no longer bothering him, though he was still working toward a full recovery. “I just cannot wait to get my ankle back all the way and perform for you guys Sunday,” he said.
## Browns Were Already Managing Injuries at Receiver
Cleveland also entered Sunday with rookie receiver Denzel Boston dealing with an injury. Boston was active against Houston after being listed as questionable with a toe injury. He missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, then returned on a limited basis Friday. Boston had led the Browns with 507 receiving yards entering the game.
If Concepcion is sidelined for an extended period, Boston, veteran receiver Jerry Jeudy and Fannin could take on larger roles as Watson returns to the lineup. Watson had missed the Saints game after clearing concussion protocol the day before. Cleveland kept him inactive after a week of limited preparation, and Sanders started in his place, throwing for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
Concepcion’s availability also affects Cleveland’s special teams. He was listed as the Browns’ starting punt returner, with Boston behind him on the unofficial depth chart. Boston returned a punt late in the second quarter against Houston, suggesting Concepcion may have been unable to continue in the game.
