Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that wide receiver Elijah Moore spent the night in a local hospital after suffering a terrifying head injury in Thursday’s 37-20 home triumph against the New York Jets, which earned Cleveland’s playoff berth.
“He is home now,” Stefanski said of Moore, according to the Browns’ website. “He’s in concussion protocol, so we’ll just work through that over the next few days with him, but glad that he’s back home.”
Moore, according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter, caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter of Thursday’s triumph but was injured later in the period when his helmet bounced off the turf. The 23-year-old then appeared to shake violently while lying on the ground before eventually walking to the changing room.
“I don’t have a ton of other information other than to say that he’s doing better, he’s home,” Stefanski said. “I’ve been texting him.” As we all know, those are always terrifying. But here’s what I’ll say about him. I’m quite proud of him. He was getting started. I think the route he took for the touchdown was fantastic. He’s done an excellent job for us.”
Moore reportedly asked the Jets for a trade during the 2022 season and was traded to Cleveland this past March. He has 59 receptions for 640 yards in his debut season with the Browns, but Thursday’s touchdown was only his second of the season.
“He shows up every day,” said Stefanski of Moore. “He does his job and works extremely hard in practice.” So proud of him for having his chance…last night, grabbing those balls and doing something with them. And, as you know, we’re fortunate to have a variety of offensive players to whom we can pass the ball and feel confident. And Elijah is unquestionably one of them.”