National Football League

Browns' Hawkins released from hospital, teammate decries hit

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:30 p.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio (AP) Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin said the hard hit Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones delivered on Cleveland's Andrew Hawkins was ''unacceptable.''

Hawkins was hospitalized overnight at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center after sustaining his second concussion in three weeks. Browns coach Mike Pettine said Hawkins was released Monday and has been placed in the NFL's protocol for head injuries.

The 5-foot-7, 180-pound Hawkins left the field early in the fourth quarter after taking the shot from Jones, a blow Benjamin felt could have been avoided.

''Yeah, he kind of left his feet, which is unacceptable,'' Benjamin said. ''When he left his feet and kind of launched into Hawk, he could have easily just passed by. But it's the game of football. Those guys are looking to take our heads off and it's the same thing towards us.''

Hawkins had seven catches for 69 yards in Cleveland's 30-9 loss, the Browns' fifth straight overall and 12th in a row in Pittsburgh.

Hawkins also suffered a concussion Oct. 25 in St. Louis and missed Cleveland's next two games. Benjamin said he spoke with Hawkins, who told him he is feeling better.

Hawkins' brother, former NFL cornerback Artrell Hawkins Jr., posted on Facebook on Sunday night that his brother ''has no memory of what happened and is very confused.''

Jones could face league discipline for the hit, which came after Steelers safety Mike Mitchell intercepted Johnny Manziel.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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