G Joel Bitonio (11.4.21)

On his confidence the Browns can push the situation with WR Odell Beckham Jr. off to the side and prepare for Sunday’s game, given his experience with the team handling distractions in the past:

“I think we are in a good spot. Yesterday was a pretty normal day. We went out and practiced on Wednesday and had a good Wednesday practice. Have to have a good Thursday practice. We have to stack some days. I think we are in a good spot as a team. We have to go out there and find a win. That is our main goal is to go 1-0 this week and just find a way to win.”

On S John Johnson III saying he believes most of the Browns want Beckham back in the building:

“It is hard because I feel like we do not know what the situation is. We think he is a great player when he is on the field, but we do not know what the situation is. We do not know what is really going on. We probably know as much as you guys know from outside of the building. If he wants to come back and be a part of the team, I am sure we would welcome him with open arms.”

On his reaction to not knowing the full details surrounding the situation with Beckham:

“It is part of it. We are trying to go 1-0 this week so it is kind of a need-to-know basis. I do not think the guys in the locker room need to know exactly what is going on. I think they are still trying to figure it out. I think once they figure it out, then we will get it known.”

On if players potentially pick sides when these types of situations occur:

“I do not think so. You build relationships with people on the team and you care about people who you play football with, but from a professional perspective, you have to come out there and you have to perform at your best every week. I think that is the mindset of the majority of the team is whoever is out on the field with us, we have to do our best and we have to play our best each and every week.”

On the Browns approaching an important stretch of the season as this situation presented itself and keeping it from negatively impacting the team and its goals:

“We are focused on trying to win this week. Cincinnati has been playing good football. They are up there in the division. We have to find a way to win this game. I think the guys who are going to be out on the field are ready to try and win. We know we have a big challenge up ahead. I think when Sunday comes around, we are going to be focused on playing that game.”