Cleveland Browns

Justin Gilbert refutes report that he didn't want to play

Published Jan. 4, 2016 4:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Craig Lyndall

Cleveland Browns defensive back Justin Gilbert was drafted before Johnny Manziel. You need to keep reminding yourself of that because Manziel’s career and antics - and fan and media reaction to them - have overshadowed Gilbert’s so far in what has been two short seasons.

The Browns cornerback has faced his own issues on and off the field, and he seemed to struggle with Mike Pettine’s now notorious dog house, being a healthy scratch numerous times in 2015. Then came reports that Gilbert didn’t want to go into the game on Sunday, which were disturbing. Gilbert, however, refuted that report, saying it was false while also maintaining that he doesn’t think the sun has set on his career just yet.

The OBR has the video of his most recent chat with the media.

Time will tell on this story, but it’s hard to be hopeful for Gilbert’s future as he hasn’t shown much as a pro in two seasons. His athleticism and size are still there, but for whatever reason it hasn’t translated into productivity as a cornerback for the Browns ,who needed them more than ever with the injuries this season to Joe Haden and K’Waun Williams.

Instead of the Browns’ former first-rounder, Mike Pettine and Jim O’Neill frequently turned to Johnson Bademosi and rookie Charles Gaines. In the event Gilbert can get his career back on track, it would be a huge boost to a defense that is in dire need of cornerbacks with size.

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