As the Cleveland Browns prepare to take on the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal Week 16 matchup, both teams are dealing with a laundry list of injuries that could significantly impact how things unfold on Sunday. With playoff implications looming and the calendar creeping toward Christmas, the stakes are high-and so is the level of attrition.
Let’s start with Cleveland. Compared to last week’s near-empty bench due to injuries, there’s been a slight uptick in available bodies, but the Browns are still far from full strength.
Heading into the week, 13 players were sidelined during early practices. While Thursday brought some relief, the final injury report still paints a challenging picture for a team looking to keep pace in the AFC.
Browns Injury Breakdown
The offensive line takes a major hit with Jack Conklin ruled out due to a concussion. That’s a big loss in both pass protection and run support, especially against a Bills front that can bring pressure from multiple angles. Quarterback Deshaun Watson remains out with an Achilles injury and is currently on injured reserve, with only days left for the team to make a final call on his season status.
Denzel Ward, the Browns’ top cornerback, is also out with a calf issue. His absence leaves a noticeable void in the secondary, especially against a Bills offense that can stretch the field vertically.
Tight end David Njoku is out with a knee injury, which removes one of Cleveland’s most dynamic red zone threats. Linebacker Winston Reid (back) and running back Dylan Sampson (hand) are also unavailable, though Reid did have his practice window opened this week-a possible sign of progress.
Two key players remain up in the air: guard Wyatt Teller (calf) and defensive tackle Sam Kamara (elbow) are both listed as questionable. Teller’s availability could be crucial in keeping the interior pocket clean, especially with Buffalo’s defensive tackles known for collapsing the middle.
Bills Injury Breakdown
On the other side, the Bills aren’t coming in unscathed either. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips is out with an ankle injury, which could open up some opportunities for the Browns' ground game-assuming they can capitalize with their banged-up offensive line. Kicker Matt Prater is also out with a quad issue, which could force Buffalo to lean on a backup in a game that might come down to key field goals.
Offensive tackle Chase Lundt is ruled out with a knee injury, thinning Buffalo’s depth up front. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman is listed as questionable with a calf injury and is eligible to return from injured reserve.
If he suits up, he brings an added speed element that Cleveland’s secondary, already missing Ward, will need to account for. Defensive back Cam Lewis is also questionable with a hamstring injury.
As always, we’ll get final word on the questionable players 90 minutes before kickoff. But as it stands, both teams are walking into this game with significant question marks on both sides of the ball.
For the Browns, it’s about finding a way to patch the holes and stay afloat against a Bills team that’s still very much in the playoff hunt. For Buffalo, it’s about managing the absences while keeping their foot on the gas.
With just a few days before Christmas, Sunday’s game could be a gift-or a lump of coal-depending on who steps up and who’s able to suit up.