Browns Rule Out Rookie KC Concepcion After Hit by Fitzpatrick

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion was ruled out with a head injury after a helmet-to-helmet collision with New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during their NFL game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The incident occurred late in the first quarter as Cleveland advanced toward the Jets' end zone. According to The Associated Press, quarterback Deshaun Watson targeted Concepcion with a deep pass on first-and-10 from the Jets' 25-yard line during the Browns' second possession.

Concepcion appeared to secure the ball before Fitzpatrick's hit dislodged it. Concepcion fell face down onto the field and appeared unresponsive, prompting Browns medical staff to rush to his side. Players from both teams, including Fitzpatrick, gathered nearby while the medical personnel evaluated the rookie.

After several minutes, Concepcion was turned over and eventually sat up. He then stood and walked to the locker room without assistance, but Cleveland subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

The collision also resulted in a penalty against Fitzpatrick for hitting a defenseless receiver. It was the second penalty against the veteran safety during the same drive. Earlier in the possession, Fitzpatrick had drawn a face-mask penalty while bringing Concepcion out of bounds. During that play, he pulled off the receiver's helmet, sending it flying.

Concepcion entered the NFL as a first-round draft selection in April, going 24th overall after playing for Texas A&M. The rookie had recorded a five-yard reception before sustaining the injury. According to the Associated Press report, Concepcion had accumulated 18 receptions for 149 yards through five games before the matchup against New York. His availability for future games was not specified in the report.