Bumps on the Road: Injuries Plague Cleveland Browns Ahead of Crucial Matchup

Joe Flacco’s Week 13 performance brings a glimmer of hope, but the injury woes for the Cleveland Browns persist in the lead-up to a pivotal clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars.*

In a tumultuous campaign for the AFC North hopefuls, injuries have become a recurring theme, casting shadows on their playoff aspirations. Whether it’s Denzel Ward’s shoulder, the quarterback situation, or the pass-catching corps, setbacks keep piling up, overshadowing any positive developments.

*Amari Cooper and David Njoku Both Absent From Thursday Practice*

Amari Cooper, who received five targets in the recent loss to the Rams, contributing 50 catches for 799 yards and two scores this season, now faces uncertainty due to a concussion suffered in the second quarter of the game. This adds his name to the growing list of Cleveland injuries, with Cooper listed as having both a concussion and a ribs-related injury. His absence from practice for the second consecutive day raises concerns about his availability for the crucial matchup against the Jaguars.

David Njoku, the leading receiver for the Browns with 53 receptions for 509 yards and two scores, missed a second consecutive day of practice, attributed to non-injury-related rest for his knee. While there’s optimism about his chances of playing on Sunday, the fact that the tight end has been entirely absent from practice at the week’s midpoint raises some alarms.

The potential loss of either Cooper or Njoku would pose a significant challenge for the Browns’ already limited offense. The team is hoping for positive developments, especially with Elijah Moore showing improved performance and Marquise Goodwin making strides to return from the concussion protocol in limited fashion. As the week progresses, the Browns are eagerly awaiting updates that trend in the right direction for their key offensive weapons.