Hit that gave Cameron a concussion cost Ross $22,050

Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (R) checks on his tight end Jordan Cameron after a catch and a hit to the head in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 26. Cameron's status is in doubt for Sunday's home game against Houston.

(John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer)

BEREA, Ohio -- The long-awaited appearance of Pro Bowlers Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron on the field together isn't likely to materialize Sunday in Atlanta.

Cameron was still idle with his concussion on Thursday, which means he's probably still a longshot to get on the field this weekend. If he can't play, it will mark his fourth straight absence.

Cameron spent some time in the locker room Wednesday during the portion open to the media and seemed to be in good spirits. But he can't get on the practice field until he's completely symptom free. He suffered the concussion Oct. 26 against the Raiders when safety Brandian Ross hit him in the head and neck area with his helmet when Cameron was defenseless.

Ross was fined $22,050 for the illegal hit, and Cameron hasn't taken a snap since then. It also marked the third concussion for Cameron in less than two years, which is cause for concern. Multiple concussions have been linked to long-term brain issues, and team doctors are taking Cameron's case very seriously.

Safety Johnson Bademosi is also still idle with his concussion and likely to miss his third straight game.

Other Browns resting Thursday included linebacker Karlos Dansby (knee), linebacker Jabaal Sheard (foot), and receiver Marlon Moore (hamstring).



In other Browns injury news:

• Coach Mike Pettine said he's not ready to rule out Dansby (sprained knee) just yet, "but it's getting close. I wouldn't say it's encouraging.'' He joked that he's heard all about Dansby's go-to food of lobster mashed potatoes, which Dansby credits with helping him play at a high level, "but I haven't partaken.''

• On the other hand, Pettine said of outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (foot): "There's an outside chance he can go this weekend.''



Some other quick-hits from the pre-practice press conferences:

• Pettine said Josh Gordon "looked good in the uniform'' on his first day back Wednesday. He said the temptation is to "throw him out there for 75 reps, but I don't know if that's prudent.

• He said Brian Hoyer was like a kid at Christmas with a new toy with Gordon on the field: "Somehow, every time Gordon was out there, the ball mysteriously went to him.''

• He cautioned that "we have to make sure (Hoyer) doesn't develop tunnel vision'' and continue to go through his progressions with the other receivers on any given play. A little more about this later after we talk to offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan after practice.

• He said he "could see some scenarios'' where No. 8 overall pick Justin Gilbert gets on the field in Atlanta. Gilbert didn't play on defense at all against the Texans, and defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said it's because undrafted rookie K'Waun Williams is playing so well. "It's hard to keep him off the field." He said Gilbert would have to beat out outside corners Joe Haden and Buster Skrine to get playing time, and he hasn't been able to do that. "He's fourth on the totem pole,'' he said. More coming after practice on this story of the No. 8 overall pick not getting playing time 10 games into the season and the emergence of Williams.

• Browns special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said The Rabbit is back. Travis Benjamin has earned back his punt return duties.