Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was downgraded to out for Sunday's season finale against the host Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Browns noted that the move was "not injury related" on Saturday, one day after Clowney was sent home after making critical comments and openly questioning whether Cleveland put him in position to succeed.
Clowney, 29, told Cleveland.com it has become apparent the Browns have "their own guys, and I ain't one of them, so it's time for me to get my exit slip."
The comments, published Thursday, pointed to the Browns focusing gameplans around defensive end Myles Garrett, who has 15 sacks and is one of the leading candidates for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Clowney felt he wasn't getting ample support from coaches, he said, adding he was "95 percent sure I won't be back."
"I just feel like I need to be around somebody that believes in me and my ability," Clowney said. "(It can't) just be me believing in myself. I believe in myself more than anybody."
Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick, has signed a one-year deal each of the past four offseasons. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he has never reached 10 sacks in a single season since entering the league with the Houston Texans in 2014.
Also on Saturday, the Browns elevated rookie linebacker Storey Jackson and defensive end Sam Kamara from the practice squad.
More must-reads: