Who could return this year and the complete list of injured Browns players
Despite all of these injuries, there is still reason for encouragement regarding NFL playoff hopes.
The Cleveland Browns have lost two straight road games against the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams, extending their season-long losing streak. It was interesting to see who won and lost in Week 13.
Although disappointing, the Browns’ NFL playoff seed was unaffected by their loss to the Rams.
For the majority of Cleveland supporters, the 2023 NFL season has a clear ceiling: only qualifying for the playoffs. Browns supporters are astute enough to recognize, based on the team’s current roster, that they would struggle to defeat the best teams in the league.
Too many of the team’s best players are on the injured reserve list for the Browns to be able to compete at the highest levels. These athletes who are hurt but haven’t been sidelined for at least four weeks aren’t even on the list:
- Amari Cooper
- Denzel Ward
- Dorian Thompson -Robinson
- Marquise Goodw
- Cleveland’s best wide receiver, cornerback, and deep threat are all on that list alone, with Cooper added as a result of a concussion, in addition to the starting quarterback.The Browns’ website reports that even more elite players and depth pieces have been added to the injured reserve list:
- Deshaun Watson
- Nick Chubb
- Jack Conklin
- Jedrick Wills Jakeem Grant
- Rodney McLeod
- Cameron Mitchell
- Jacob Phillips Dawson Deaton
- (*Daylen Baldwin is mentioned on the website, but he has returned for a workout after reaching an injury settlement with Cleveland)There are just two players on that list who should be able to make a comeback this season: Mitchell (shoulder) and Wills (knee).
Combining the two lists, the Browns were not able to fill the following positions after Week 13’s halftime.
- Activating the QB Backup QB taking the field first RB
Best WR
Leading deep threat WR Beginning LT Beginning RT
Gadget/Kick Returner WR
Best CB
Third security/nickel Database Redundancy/Availability CB
Reserve LB Practice Team OL - After losing two straight and with the Jacksonville Jaguars visiting this week, Cleveland is hoping that DTR, Cooper, Goodwin, Wills, Ward, and Mitchell will be able to return at some point this season. However, the sooner they can, the better.In the NFL, winning is difficult overall. Dealing with that sort of talent purge owing to injuries makes winning even more difficult.
