The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns didn't even wait until the opening kickoff to get a little extra chippy.
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Prior to Sunday afternoon's contest at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the two teams got into a shoving match that appeared to empty the majority of both benches along the sideline.
Several videos of the fight emerged almost immediately:
https://twitter.com/RuiterWrongFAN/status/1713591852069179699
https://twitter.com/ComplexSports/status/1713592705874382900
"This is the worst thing that can happen for Cleveland. Don't poke the bear!"
The crew reacts to things getting chippy ahead of 49ers-Browns on FOX ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p8cza7Wf8x
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 15, 2023
Deebo Samuel has developed a reputation as one of the biggest trash talkers in the league, and the 49ers' star receiver appeared to be in the middle of the fracas in Cleveland. Browns' safety Juan Thornhill was in the middle of the action, as well. It will be interesting to see what the spillover effect will be during the game, in this matchup.
At one point, 49ers All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams threw himself into the action, in defense of his teammates.
Initially, it does not appear that any players have been ejected from the game, despite the fight. It will be interesting to see if either team gains any sort of emotional boost at the start of the game, especially San Francisco, given the 49ers' struggles in recent years crossing time zones and playing in the early Sunday window.
San Francisco and Cleveland already boast two of the more physical defenses in the entire NFL, but the pre-game scuffle could serve to add something a little extra to Sunday's game.
The officials eventually intervened, but it was obvious that tempers had flared between the two teams.
San Francisco aims to remain unbeaten when they take on the Browns. Meanwhile, Cleveland looks to hand the 49ers their first loss of the season but will need to do so without quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Instead, it will be veteran P.J. Walker starting in Watson's place.
The 49ers and Browns kickoff at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, in Week 6 of the NFL season.
