The Cleveland Browns have been ravaged by injuries, but won each of their past two games. That’s in part because they’ve had young players step up and contribute.
The sheer number of injuries the Cleveland Browns suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars forced the team to turn to a handful of young players they’ve added over the past two years. The returns were promising as five players made key contributions that helped the Browns secure a victory over both the Jaguars and Chicago Bears, a positive indication for the continuing viability of this team going forward.
Between the games against the Jaguars and Bears, the Browns were without their top three safeties. They also suffered a pair of injuries to their defensive line, testing their depth in that rotation. Despite the challenges, the Browns defense held up well, providing the offense enough opportunities to secure victories.
The offense, meanwhile, has been utilizing a few younger players for a larger portion of the season. Dawand Jones stepped in almost immediately at right tackle and thrived in pass protection before an injury ended his season. The team has continued to incorporate rookie Cedric Tillman since trading Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Detroit Lions. Against the Jaguars, second-year wide receiver David Bell scored a 41-yard touchdown on fourth down.
Due to the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns have had limited assets to add younger talent. Save for Martin Emerson Jr., who was good enough to force his way onto the field immediately, the rest of these players were added with a focus on the future. The organization is starting to see development, which is extending the viability of the roster, pushing them closer to clinching a postseason berth. The Browns have won their past two games, and these young players provided key contributions to make that happen.
Cedric Tillman, wide receiver
Tillman’s game against the Bears was marred by a bad read on the first interception from quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco threw the ball where Tillman was supposed to go, and the Bears got a freebie, setting up their first touchdown. Tillman should have recognized the safety staying on top, then crossing into the middle of the field. Instead, he kept running up the seam, and the ball went right to Eddie Jackson.
Alex Wright, defensive end
Coming into the season with a veteran-laden front, Wright was getting the opportunity to find a role. After being an unprepared rookie who was thrown into the fire due to injuries and a lack of depth overall, this was a far better situation for Wright. Initially, that was going to be as a run-stopping base end that could spell Myles Garrett or Za’Darius Smith and then allow them back onto the field in obvious pass-rushing situations. Wright’s virtually the same size as Myles Garrett, and his length and power make him a great fit for playing the run and forcing the ball back inside. Wright hasn’t been great, but he’s had his moments, and he possesses a worthwhile skill set.
2023 SEASONS INACTIVES
Here is a tally of who has been inactive so far this season:
QB Deshaun Watson x 3
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson x 4
RB Jordan Wilkins x 1
WR Marquise Goodwin x 4
WR Cedric Tillman x 3
WR David Bell x 2
TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden x 1
T Leroy Watson x 3
T Dawand Jones x 2
T James Hudson x 1
G Joel Bitonio x 1
C Luke Wypler x 8
ED Isaiah McGuire x 12
ED Alex Wright x 1
DT Siaki Ika x 13
LB Anthony Walker x 1
LB Sione Takitaki x 1
LB Mohamoud Diabate x 1
CB Kahlef Hailassie x 6
CB Denzel Ward x 3
CB Greg Newsome x 2
S Ronnie Hickman x 7
S Juan Thornhill x 2
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