As the NFL season reaches its midway point, the Cleveland Browns find themselves grappling with a spate of injuries that threaten to derail their playoff aspirations. In the lead-up to their crucial Week 8 matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Browns have been dealt a series of blows to their roster, most notably in the backfield.
Jerome Ford Sidelined for Second Straight Week
In a press conference on Friday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that running back Jerome Ford will miss his second consecutive game due to a lingering hamstring injury. Ford, who had been thrust into a featured role following Nick Chubb’s absence in the first six weeks of the season, has been a reliable contributor to Cleveland’s ground game. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team looks to establish a balanced offensive attack against a formidable Ravens defense.
According to a team insider, Ford had been making progress in his recovery throughout the week, participating in limited practice sessions. However, the Browns’ medical staff ultimately deemed him unfit to suit up on Sunday, erring on the side of caution to prevent any potential setbacks. With Chubb now back in the fold, the Browns will likely lean heavily on their star rusher to shoulder the load in the backfield.
Offensive Line Concerns: Wyatt Teller Questionable
Compounding the Browns’ backfield woes are the question marks surrounding their offensive line. Right guard Wyatt Teller, a key cog in Cleveland’s run-blocking scheme, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game as he continues to work his way back from a knee sprain that landed him on injured reserve. Teller returned to practice this week, sparking optimism that he may be able to suit up against the Ravens. However, his status remains uncertain, and the Browns may be forced to rely on backup options to fill the void.
“We’re taking it day by day with Wyatt,” Stefanski told reporters. “He’s made good progress, but we want to make sure he’s fully ready before we put him back out there. It’s a long season, and we need to think about the big picture.”
Defensive Losses: Wills, Hicks, Hickman Out
On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns will be without several key contributors. Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., linebacker Jordan Hicks, and safety Ronnie Hickman have all been ruled out for Sunday’s contest. Their absences will test the depth and resilience of a Browns defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been prone to inconsistency.
Wills, in particular, will be sorely missed, as he has been a stalwart on the Browns’ offensive line since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His absence will likely necessitate a shuffling of the line, with backup tackle Chris Hubbard potentially stepping into a starting role.
Nyheim Hines Out for Season
In a separate development, Stefanski also revealed that running back Nyheim Hines will miss the remainder of the season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered during the offseason. Hines, who was acquired by the Browns in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts last season, had been placed on the non-football injury list with the hope that he might be able to contribute down the stretch. However, his rehab has not progressed as quickly as the team had hoped, leading to the decision to shut him down for the year.
“We were optimistic about Nyheim’s recovery, but unfortunately, he just wasn’t where he needed to be,” Stefanski explained. “We felt it was in his best interest and the team’s best interest to let him focus on getting fully healthy for next season.”
Next Man Up Mentality
Despite the rash of injuries, the Browns remain confident in their ability to compete at a high level. The team has preached a “next man up” mentality throughout the season, with players stepping up to fill voids left by injured teammates. This resilience will be put to the test on Sunday, as they face a Ravens squad that has been one of the league’s most consistent performers.
For the Browns, the focus remains on controlling what they can control and executing their game plan to the best of their abilities. With a potent rushing attack, a talented roster, and a coaching staff that has demonstrated an ability to adapt in the face of adversity, Cleveland remains a formidable opponent, even in the face of mounting injury concerns.
As the season enters its second half, the Browns will need to weather this latest storm and find ways to keep their playoff aspirations alive. The road ahead may be challenging, but if there’s one thing this Cleveland team has proven, it’s that they are not to be underestimated, no matter the circumstances.
