2 min read • January 05, 2021
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Running Backs - Nick Chubb suffered a mild MCL sprain in Week 4, and missed just 4 games before returning to the field. He has had some of his best performances of the year since, and while the backfield remains a shared space with Kareem Hunt, Chubb leads in both rushing yardage and touchdowns.
Wide Receivers - Odell Beckham Jr. season came to an abrupt end when he tore his ACL in Week 7. He had been putting together a solid campaign, but will not be available until the 2021 season, and the Browns have been generating most of their air yards through Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Austin Hooper in his absence.
On a high pass Donavan Peoples-Jones was speared in the back by a defender and it forced him to go limp due to the pain in his scapula/upper back. This injury is extremely painful, but it is not a long-term injury. He did not return, and is now in concussion protocol so there is concern but he could be able to return to face the Steelers again next week.
Tight Ends - The Browns’ tight ends have had a smattering of issues this year. Starter Austin Hooper missed Weeks 7 and 8 after dealing with appendicitis, David Njoku spent the first 4 games of the season on IR with a knee injury that popped up again in December, and Harrison Bryant was ruled out of Week 17 with a positive COVID test. Hooper is a full go for the playoffs, but Njoku could be limited by this knee issue, and we are uncertain how long Bryant will be out with COVID.
Offensive Lineman - The Browns offensive line has struggled through injuries in 2020. Guard Wyatt Teller has developed into one of the best in the game, but missed 3 games at midseason with a calf injury and dealt with an ankle injury in Week 17. Joel Bitonio missed last week on the COVID list after a positive test on the 5th, but could return this weekend. Backup Nick Harris has been out with a knee injury, Michael Dunn hurt his calf last week, and they’ve had some tough luck at tackle as well. Jedrick Wills missed Week 16 with COVID at left tackle, Jack Conklin missed Week 2 with an ankle issue and tweaked his hamstring in the Wild Card. Conklin's status for the Divisional Round is now in question, and Chris Hubbard is now on injured reserve with a dislocated kneecap.
Linebackers - Mack Wilson started this year out, dealing with a knee injury, but he has built on a solid rookie campaign since, finding his role in this defense in his sophomore campaign.
Defensive Lineman - Olivier Vernon is proving an excellent pickup at edge rusher across from Myles Garrett. He missed two games at the outset of the season with an abdomen injury, and went down in Week 17. While there were initial hopes that he could come back for the playoffs, it has now come out that he suffered a ruptured achilles, and is done for the year.
Myles Garrett gains ground as one of the league’s premiere edge rushers, and while he has had a great 2020 campaign, did miss two games with COVID. Garrett has been dealing with breathing problems in the wake of the virus, and this is something to keep an eye on. However, they have not reduced his snap % since his return, and he is still performing at an elite level.
Cornerbacks and Safeties - Cleveland’s secondary is having some tough luck this year. Greedy Williams was lost for the season at cornerback, and now Denzel Ward has tested positive for COVID and could miss the first round of the playoffs. Safety Karl Joseph has also been placed on the Reserve/COVID list and it is unclear how much time he will miss. They’re already short at the position with the offseason achilles injury to rookie Grant Delpit, but Ronnie Harrison has returned from a shoulder injury and has been activated off Injured Reserve.
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