Browns cornerback Joe Haden told reporters Wednesday that he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to play Sunday vs. the Ravens.
This week, though, both Haden and Browns coach Mike Pettine are making sure they’re in front of any speculation regarding Haden’s status.
Haden was a surprise inactive for last week’s game in San Diego due to rib and finger injuries. Haden suffered a rib contusion in the previous game and a finger injury last week but was still listed as probable and told reporters last Friday he planned to play.
Haden said Wednesday he initially didn’t tell his coaches how bad his finger injury was and unintentionally “threw them a curveball” when he came clean before the game.
Earlier Wednesday, Pettine backtracked from his Monday statement that the decision to hold Haden out was all Haden’s. Pettine said Haden wanted to play, then he gave the new, unified company line.
“Nobody questions Joe’s toughness, his leadership, what being a Cleveland Brown means to him,” Pettine said.
Haden called the outside scrutiny he’s receiver “upsetting” but maintains his teammates don’t question him. Haden said he told each of his teammates individually that he wasn’t going to be able to play.
The Browns listed Haden as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, and Haden said team trainers are working on how to best protect his finger so he can play Sunday in Baltimore. Haden said he felt like he would have been playing one-handed if he had played last week.