The Cleveland Browns couldn’t escape controversy Sunday, even on their best day of the year.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team allowed rookie running back James Davis to practice without pads on against fully padded defensive players, and his season-ending shoulder injury was the result.
On Monday, the NFL confirmed it is looking into the matter.
“We’re aware of it and it’s under review,’' said NFL spokesman Corry Rush to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
The Browns denied the story to Schefter and coach Eric Mangini spoke about the incident after Cleveland’s 6-3 puntfest over the Bills. (The worst game to watch since the season-ending Chiefs-Jets Herm Edwards Bowl of ’07.)
“I’m not going to talk about that today,” Mangini said. “We talked to the league about it, addressed it and we feel very comfortable with being where we’re at.’'
Davis hurt his shoulder originally in Week One, but re-injured it during the practice in question. He will undergo surgery for a torn labrum this week.