Reporter Is Confused By Browns Coach’s Stance On Big Hit

Head coaches are careful with their words when it comes to opposing players. Calling someone dirty can create headlines, spark a feud and even put a target on a coach’s own team. Most prefer to let the league handle discipline and keep the focus inside their own locker room. That approach is not sitting well with everyone in Cleveland this week.

Nick Camino of WKYC questioned Todd Monken’s comments about Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hit on KC Concepcion.

“I’m confused by Todd Monken. On two different occasions these past two days he has said that Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hit on KC Concepcion yesterday wasn’t dirty. Fitzpatrick is a dirty player. Look at Nick Chubb. Players know he’s dirty. He was flagged and will be fined. Odd,” Camino wrote.

I'm confused by Todd Monken. On two different occasions these past two days he has said that Minkah Fitzpatrick's hit on KC Concepcion yesterday wasn't dirty.

Fitzpatrick is a dirty player. Look at Nick Chubb.

Players know he's dirty.

He was flagged and will be fined.

Odd. pic.twitter.com/bxCXa6vqVB

— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) October 12, 2026

Monken has now twice declined to criticize Fitzpatrick for the helmet-to-helmet hit that knocked Concepcion out of Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets with a concussion. After the game, he called it a bang-bang play and insisted Fitzpatrick was not a dirty player, and he stuck to that position when the topic came up again.

Browns fans have not forgotten the 2023 Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Nick Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury on a play involving Fitzpatrick. That play did not draw a penalty, but it left a lasting mark on the fan base.

Concepcion’s health is what matters most. The rookie posted on social media that he is doing well, but he will have to clear the league’s concussion protocol before returning, and his status for the Baltimore Ravens game on October 18 remains unclear.

Monken’s stance is unlikely to change, and the league will ultimately decide whether Fitzpatrick deserves further punishment. For the Browns, the bigger priority is getting their first-round receiver back on the field as they try to bounce back from a frustrating loss.