Cleveland Browns have a mixed bag of injury news to go over days before they face the Jets in Week 5
There is some good news and some bad news for the Browns on the injury front as preparation is underway to play the Jets in Week 5.
The Cleveland Browns are back on the practice field Wednesday with a 3-1 record. Next up is a road game against the New York Jets that would push the Browns to 4-1 with a win. The trip to New York lands in between two AFC North matchups, with the Baltimore Ravens coming to Cleveland next week. For now, all of the focus is on the Jets.
The Browns are coming off a physical win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. A couple of injuries popped up in that game, and Cleveland is now working through them as it prepares for New York.
Browns open the week without 2 defensive tackles
To start the week, the Browns did not have two of their defensive tackles on the practice field. Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. both missed Wednesday’s practice as they work through injuries.
Graham is dealing with the knee injury he suffered against the Steelers. It didn’t look good at all when it first happened. However, it’s not expected to be a serious injury, and no injured reserve move was telling. If Graham doesn’t play against the Jets, he very well could be back on the field against the Ravens next week.
Hall is dealing with an ankle injury, and he was able to play through it against the Steelers. It would not be a surprise if Hall is able to practice later in the week and plays against New York.
Both players are crucial to what the Browns do on the defensive line. Graham is having a breakout season with four sacks through the first four games. Hall is a disruptive force on the interior, and while Cleveland has depth up front, he’s an important piece of what the defense wants to do. His availability is going to be key if Graham is unable to go.
Elgton Jenkins clears concussion protocol
The good news for the Browns is on the other side of the ball. Center Elgton Jenkins has cleared concussion protocol after missing the game against the Steelers. Jenkins suffered the concussion against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
With Jenkins out against Pittsburgh, the Browns turned to Luke Wypler, and he played well in his place. Still, Jenkins has been good for Cleveland when he’s been on the field. Getting his veteran leadership back on the offensive line will be a welcome addition for the Browns heading into a road game.
The Browns have put themselves in a strong spot through the first month of the season. A win in New York would give them momentum heading into a home date with Baltimore, a game that will carry plenty of weight in the AFC North race.
How the Browns handle the defensive line rotation could shape the matchup. Without Graham, Cleveland loses one of its top defenders. Without Hall, the interior loses a player who can disrupt plays before they get started. Not having either player would be a loss against the Jets.
As the week goes on, practice availability will tell us more about where Graham and Hall stand. Wednesday is only the first look, and the Browns will have two more practice days to sort out the defensive line before heading to New York.
There is hope that at least one of them, if not both, will be able to play against the Jets. The rest of the week will be the determining factor.
