Injuries hit the Cleveland Browns hard in Week 12.
The team lost quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to a concussion, defensive end Myles Garrett to a shoulder injury, wide receiver Amari Cooper to a rib injury and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to an ankle injury.
All four were starters this past week, meaning their absence was certainly felt during the Browns’ 29-12 loss to the Denver Broncos. For a team in the playoff hunt, any missed time from any of these players could be bad for Cleveland’s postseason aspirations.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski provided a few updates on all four a day after Week 12. Here’s how they look as Cleveland heads into Week 13.
DE Myles Garrett
Although Garrett said he “felt something pop” in his shoulder after the game, Stefanski said an MRI revealed the Pro Bowl defensive end suffered no structural damage. Stefanski added that Garrett is “sore,” and “day-to-day” but said he felt good about his star defender’s ability to play Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams.
This is huge news for the Browns. Garrett is a top candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and his 13 sacks this season are tied for second in the NFL and trail only T.J. Watt by a half-sack. His presence in a critical match next week would be a tremendous win for Cleveland.
WR Amari Cooper
The X-rays on Cooper’s ribs were negative, per Stefanski, which means there’s a good chance he’ll be ready to go for Week 13.
While he’s caught just six passes for 50 yards since Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury, Cooper is still a big part of this offense and he demands attention by any opposing defense. If he can’t play, the Browns will be down to Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, David Bell and an already-injured Marquise Goodwin.
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Thompson-Robinson will be in the concussion protocol this week after he suffered a controversial hit this past week. His availability will be entirely dependent on his ability to progress through and clear the protocol. If DTR can’t play, the Browns will look to P.J. Walker or veteran Joe Flacco to start Week 13.
DT Jordan Elliott
Similarly to Garrett and Cooper, Elliott is considered day-to-day with the ankle injury he suffered in Week 12. The fourth-year veteran is having a solid season in Cleveland with a career-high 2.5 sacks to go along with 14 combined tackles and three tackles for a loss.
