Injuries will once again play a big part in Week 2 for the Browns, on both sides.
Here is your Week 2 injury wrap-up as the Cleveland Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday.
Biggest Injury Storylines
- As noted on Friday, the Browns are facing an identical situation at left tackle that they did a week ago: Jedrick Wills practiced, but has been ruled out, and Jack Conklin practiced, but is questionable. All we know is that Conklin “did more this week,” according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Reporters who saw the open portion of practice also noted that he saw a little more action at left tackle. Does that mean he is ready for full action on gameday? We’ll know Sunday morning. Cleveland is elevating Germain Ifedi for the second straight week from the practice squad. That doesn’t necessarily mean Conklin is out; but just in case he is, or if the team has an injury at the position, they need at least one-two backups on gameday.
- The other big injury this week for the Browns is tight end David Njoku. The fact that he wasn’t placed on injured reserve is optimistic that his injury is week-to-week instead of him missing a month or more. With that said, he is definitely out this week, which left Jordan Akins as the only tight end left on the roster. Cleveland elevated tight end Blake Whiteheart from the practice squad to be the backup tight end this week. Barry Shuck wrote about Whiteheart this week, and liked his blocking ability:
Whiteheart is an exceptional blocker and seems to enjoy this aspect of the game even taking on multiple defenders if needed. He has a good burst off the snap and a good balance. Only above-average acceleration. Is a quick learner as well.
- Cleveland’s defensive line was already dealing with limited practice this week (Myles Garrett’s foot, Za’Darius Smith’s back, Alex Wright’s triceps/elbow, and Dalvin Tomlinson’s knee). However, none of them are listed on the injury report, so it must just be regular season soreness.
- The Jaguars will have some issues in their secondary. Starting cornerback Tyson Campbell, who played 75% of the snaps in Week 1, is on injured reserve now. In addition, they’ll be without starting S Darnell Savage. Cleveland took advantage of some breakdowns in Jacksonville’s secondary last year, and their defense allowed the most passing yards in Week 1. Granted, Cleveland’s passing attack was abysmal in Week 1, but if their was a situation for them to get on track, this is the moment.
Betting Odds Impact
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Browns are 3 point underdogs against the Jaguars. During the week, the line actually moved slightly in Cleveland’s favor (it started as 3.5 point underdogs) despite injuries to Juan Thornhill, David Njoku, and the left tackle situation still being a game-time decision. Therefore, injuries weren’t a factor in the movement of the line this week.
Fantasy Implications
- With TE David Njoku out, the fantasy value of TE Jordan Akins increases a lot this week. Tight ends still succeeded a lot more with a different quarterback in this offense last year, but it is what it is. Akins does have several years of experience with QB Deshaun Watson in Houston, and Akins used to be a 400-yard-a-season receiver. There’s a chance he is worth a play this week, if you’re thin at tight end.
- With the Jaguars facing injuries in their secondary, we liked a bounceback game for Amari Cooper in Week 2. That is one of our FanDuel player prop bets this week.
