Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver Remains in Concussion Protocol

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond suffered a concussion in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills back on Saturday, August 22, and he was believed to have cleared the league’s mandated concussion protocol earlier this week.

However, after head coach Todd Monken announced Bond had cleared the protocol, the receiver and downfield threat has yet to return to the practice field. It’s uncertain if he suffered some sort of a setback, if he is being held out due to a precaution, etc.

Is Isaiah Bond in Danger of Missing Week 1 vs. Jaguars?

Bond still has nine days to work back into playing shape ahead of the regular-season opener on September 13 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Don’t be terribly concerned about Bond’s availability, even if he doesn’t take to the practice field until game week. If he is unable to practice Wednesday, September 9, then that would be concerning. That’s the first practice game-planning for the Jags.

#Browns Isaiah Bond still in concussion protocol. He’ll have the long weekend to try to clear for #Jaguars week. CB Tyson Campbell watched from the sidelines. Back practicing: RG Teven Jenkins, DE Jared Verse, DT Mike Hall Jr.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 2, 2026

If Bond can return, he no longer has to battle Cedric Tillman for reps, as the former third-round pick has been released since we last saw Bond. The biggest competition for downfield routes is veteran Jerry Jeudy. Bond could also see time back in the punt return game at some point, but the Browns would be wise not to roll the dice early on, especially if he suffered some sort of a setback in his recovery.

The time is ticking for Bond, though. Rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion are likely going to operate as the No. 2 and 3 receivers in Monken’s offense, behind Jeudy, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is likely to see plenty of targets, too. In addition, running back Dylan Sampson has shown off soft hands out of the backfield, and he’s going to be a vital cog in the passing offense, too.

Who Benefits if Bond is Unable to Play in Week 1?

If Bond suffers some sort of a setback, or his injury is more serious than first indicated, wide receivers and return men Malachi Corley and Tylan Wallace could be in line for some unexpected targets in the passing game as a No. 4 receiver, especially when Cleveland wants to spread the field.

If Bond cannot assume his role as the punt returner in Jacksonville, Concepcion could be used in the role in his very first NFL game. The team could also consider elevating Kole Wilson from the practice squad to the active roster if need be.