The Cleveland Browns have promoted two players from their practice squad in preparation for their matchup with the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. With quarterback Deshaun Watson ruled out with a shoulder injury, P.J. Walker was elevated to from the practice squad to start this game. The team will also promote wide receiver Jaelon Darden to the active roster to replace Cedric Tillman who has been ruled out as well.
Walker is more experienced than Dorian Thompson-Robinson and after the rookie struggled against Baltimore it was clear he wasn’t ready to be the starter so they will turn to Walker. An athletic player who can push the ball down the field that teammates love playing with Walker could provide a spark and surprise some people if things align correctly on Sunday.
An interesting aspect of Jaelon Darden being called up is his ability to return kicks and punts. The team knows they will need special teams to help out the offense and calling up an explosive returner like Darden could help provide a spark for Cleveland.