Browns’ Beckham not ready after surgery

BEREA, OHIO — Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t ready to play following knee surgery and won’t make his debut Sunday against Houston.

Coach Kevin Stefanski ruled Beckham out Tuesday, saying he will practise on a limited basis this week but will sit out against the Texans (1-0).

“I talked to Odell about it,” Stefanski said. “This is my decision and felt it was the right thing to do for this week.”

Beckham, who tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last October, was expected to play in the season opener at Kansas City. However, after going through pregame warm-ups, the three-time Pro Bowler told the Browns he couldn’t be on the field for the number of plays they wanted and he was ruled inactive.

Stefanski said he decided to reveal Beckham’s status early in the week.

“Last week, I felt we had a good plan, he was close, working very hard on the side,” Stefanski said. “But just felt like it made more sense to have clarity early in the week from a game-planning, practice standpoint.’ ”

With Beckham out, rookie wide receiver Anthony Schwartz stepped in and had a solid debut, catching three passes for 69 yards.

Beckham was off to a good start last season (23 catches, three TDs) before getting hurt against the Bengals. Despite his absence, QB Baker Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002.