2 min read • December 25, 2021
Posted in
Injury Advantage: Packers Offense
Several Cleveland defenders could test out of COVID protocols by Saturday, but Green Bay is still the healthier side.
As of Friday night, the Browns were still down Jadaveon Clowney, both starting safeties and two cornerbacks.
Cleveland is also playing on short rest and key pass rusher Myles Garrett is nursing a groin injury that will likely have him ineffective even if he is active for the game.
Garrett is a major force in the passing game, with a career-high 15 sacks so far this season. If he is heavily affected by the groin injury, as is expected, the Packers could be in for a big day for Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams.
The Packers are down both starting tackles due to injury and No 2. wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling because of COVID-19.
Plus Aaron Jones is nursing a knee injury, but should be able to make headway on the ground against the depleted Browns defensive line.
Secondary Advantage: Packers Pass Defense
Cleveland will get starting quarterback Baker Mayfield back from the COVID reserve list, but still face an uphill battle to be effective in the passing game.
For starters, the entire Packers starting defensive line is healthy, as are their starting safeties. No. 1 corner Jaire Alexander will also likely be back from injury this week for the first time since Week 4.
The Browns will also be down key pass-catching back Kareem Hunt, limiting their options in the passing game.
Check out the full fieldview at:
https://sicscore.com/nfl/games/cleveland-browns-vs-green-bay-packers
Written by
