Cleveland Browns injuries continue to accumulate as the team pursues a playoff spot.
KELLAR ELLSWORTH POSTED 2 HOURS AGO
How four important players’ injuries—two on offense and two on defense—will damage the Cleveland Browns’ postseason chances.
Delpit, the team’s leading tackler, suffered a groin injury and will be sidelined for at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve. Okoronkwo is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a pectoral injury. They also lost both starting offensive tackles for the season, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Dawand Jones, to knee injuries.
The Browns hold the fifth AFC spot and are striving to remain ahead of a slew of 7-6 teams chasing them down at 8-5. Head coach Kevin Stefanski believes Delpit, who had surgery on Wednesday, might “potentially” return for the playoffs. Here’s how these injuries will impact Cleveland in the future.
Cleveland suffers four key injuries
Browns have been dealing with health issues for most of 2023
All season, the Browns’ defense has carried, dragged, and hauled the entire team to their current 8-5 record. Now they lose two key starters who played critical roles in their success. Delpit’s incredible play recently earned him a three-year contract extension worth $36 million, including $23 million guaranteed.
Okoronkwo ranks second on the team in sacks with 4.5, behind their all-world game wrecker Myles Garrett. Both players suffered their injuries during their 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.
For a team that’s already on quarterback number four, losing key starters adds trauma to an already wounded roster. They lost All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, a $230 million quarterback, and multiple backup quarterbacks. In a league that many say stands for “Not For Long,” the Browns have really suffered a war of attrition. To fill Delpit’s absence, the team signed veteran safety Duron Harmon from their practice squad.
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