Could we be seeing the return of both starting offensive tackles too?
Here is your Week 5 injury wrap-up as the Cleveland Browns take on the Washington Commanders this Sunday.
Biggest Injury Storylines
- Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines returned to practice this week, but neither of them are activated for this week’s game. However, Cleveland does expect to have Pierre Strong return from his hamstring injury. It’ll be interesting to see his usage this week, because D’Onta Foreman’s reps have hit a bit of a wall lately.
- On the defensive side of the ball, Alex Wright needed surgery on his triceps, so he is on IR for the year. Isaiah McGuire is expected to get a big bump in playing time, although Sam Kamara will also have an increased workload. At linebacker, Jordan Hicks didn’t practice all week and has been ruled out. If last week is any indication, Devin Bush wills start in his place.
- Other players on watch this week, who are each listed as questionable, are TE David Njoku, OT Jack Conklin, and OT Jedrick Wills. We’re optimistic about getting Njoku back. With Conklin and Wills, there’s a chance they could play, especially since James Hudson is out but Cleveland did not do any other offensive line elevations at tackle.
- Michael Dunn is back this week, and could see action at right guard if Zak Zinter struggles. The other big injury news for Cleveland is that Ethan Pocic, after not practicing on Wednesday, ended up practicing (limited) on Thursday and Friday. He was not given an injury status, so he’s expected to play.
- The Commanders have two players ruled out: WR Noah Brown and DE Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell is a starter, and Brown the team’s third receiver. The other situation to watch for Washington is their running back position. RB Austin Ekeler is back from his concussion. However, starting RB Brian Robinson didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a knee issue. He is listed as questionable and a game-time decision; however, reports indicated that he was trending in the right direction to play.
Betting Odds Impact
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Browns are 3 point underdogs against the Commanders. The line did not change during the week.
Fantasy Implications
- If TE David Njoku, OT Jack Conklin, and OT Jedrick Wills are all available this week, that could be a big boost for Cleveland’s offense all-around, both the passing and running game. Washington’s defense is vulnerable, so we could see season-highs for QB Deshaun Watson.
