Browns cornerback Gaines enters NFL's concussion protocol

Cleveland Browns cornerback E.J. Gaines entered the NFL's concussion protocol on Thursday and will miss Sunday's road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The decision to place Gaines in concussion protocol was made when he showed up Thursday morning with symptoms, according to coach Hue Jackson, who added Gaines was not hurt in practice.

Gaines had been starting in place of Terrance Mitchell (broken wrist). Jackson said T.J. Carrie likely will start opposite Denzel Ward against the Buccaneers, who have the No. 1 passing offence in the league.

"We understand what the challenge is,'' Jackson told reporters. "They have 16 touchdowns passes. That's how they score. They're going to throw the football.''

Gaines, 26, is in his first season with the Browns following stints with the with the Rams, first in St. Louis and then in Los Angeles, and the Buffalo Bills. He has one interception and three passes defensed in five games this season.

(With inputs from agencies.)