bess-catch-2013mini-horiz-ap.jpg

Davone Bess will miss the rest of the season while dealing with a personal matter.

(Mark Duncan, Associated Press)

Newark, N.J. -- Browns receiver Davone Bess, who's been dealing with a serious family matter involving one of his relatives back him in Oakland, has been placed on the reserve/ non-football illness list for personal reasons.

He will miss Sunday's game against the Jets and next week's finale against the Steelers.

The move had nothing to do with illegal activities, a source said.

Bess was excused from practice on Thursday and Friday by coach Rob Chudzinski for personal reasons, and no further details were provided.

On Friday, a photo was posted on Bess' confirmed instagram account that showed him sitting outside on his deck lighting what appeared to be a cigarette of some kind, possibly hand-rolled. A photo of the late Bob Marley, a committed Rastafarian, sat next to him, and Bess wore a Rasta flag around his neck.

The photo, which caused a stir in social media circles, was deleted shortly after it was posted, as was Bess' instagram account.

A source told cleveland.com that Bess has been dealing all season long with a serious issue involving one of his family matters back home in Oakland, Ca. and that the situation has taken a tremendous toll on Bess this season.

Bess, 28, grew up in a rough section of Oakland, and often worries about family members who still live on the dangerous streets, a source said.

With Bess out, receiver Josh Cooper will replace him primarily as the slot receiver. Greg Little is also expected to play more inside.

A source said Bess' pre-occupation with his family member back home resulted in his poor season. Bess, acquired in a trade with the Dolphins, leads the NFL with 14 drops this season and is fourth on the team with 42 catches and 362 yards. He's tied for third with only two TDs.

Bess, a six-year veteran, was acquired in a draft day trade with the Dolphins involving a swap of middle-round picks, and immediately received a three-year extension worth $11.5 million, including $5.75 million guaranteed.