Cleveland Browns face significant injury setbacks ahead of Week 15 against the Bears
As the Cleveland Browns gear up for a critical Week 15 showdown against the Chicago Bears, the team is grappling with a wave of injuries that will sideline several key players. With playoff aspirations on the line, the absence of these contributors could have a substantial impact on the game.
Key Injuries Impacting the Lineup
The Browns will be without offensive tackle Jack Conklin, who remains in concussion protocol. This marks his second consecutive game missed due to the head injury. Last week, KT Leveston stepped in as Conklin’s replacement, and he is expected to continue in that role against the Bears.
Adding to the Browns’ woes is cornerback Denzel Ward, who did not practice all week due to a calf injury. His absence is particularly concerning as Cleveland prepares for a Bears offense that can be unpredictable and explosive. Depth chart options like Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, D’Angelo Ross, and Sam Webb will need to rise to the challenge in Ward’s absence.
Offensive Line Adjustments
In addition to Conklin, offensive lineman Wyatt Teller will also miss the game due to his own calf injury. With Teller sidelined, Teven Jenkins will take over the right guard position, further necessitating adjustments along the offensive front.
Zak Zinter joins the list of healthy scratches, indicating a need for the Browns to shuffle their offensive line effectively to maintain cohesion against a formidable Bears defense.
Tight End and Running Back Concerns
Tight end David Njoku is another significant absence for the Browns. Njoku sustained a knee injury during the previous game against the Tennessee Titans after catching a touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders. He left the game and has not participated in practice this week. With Njoku out, Harold Fannin Jr. is expected to see increased targets from Sanders, while Brenden Bates and Blake Whiteheart could also see more playing time.
In the backfield, rookie running back Dylan Sampson will miss the game due to calf and hand injuries. This season, Sampson has made a notable impact, compiling 44 carries for 116 yards and proving effective in the passing game with 28 receptions for 259 yards and two touchdowns. With him unavailable, the Browns will turn to Quinshon Judkins, Raheim Sanders, and Trayveon Williams to carry the load.
Defensive Line Challenges
On the defensive side, defensive tackle Adin Huntington will be inactive for a third straight game as he recovers from a quad injury. Despite being an undrafted free agent out of Tulane, Huntington has made a mark in his rookie season with 12 tackles over 10 games. In his absence, rookies Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., and Shelby Harris will be tasked with stepping up to fill the void on the defensive line.
As the Browns prepare for this pivotal matchup against the Bears, the team will need to adapt quickly to these injuries. With playoff implications at stake, every player on the roster will need to contribute to overcome these challenges and keep their postseason hopes alive.
