Browns vs. Titans in Week 14: A Battle of Roster Depth and Rookie Quarterbacks
Week 14 brings us a matchup between two teams that have taken more than their fair share of hits this season - both on the scoreboard and the injury report. The Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans square off in what might not be a playoff preview, but still carries plenty of intrigue, especially for fans keeping an eye on the future.
This game is less about postseason implications and more about evaluating young talent, managing roster depth, and seeing which team can grind out a win despite a growing list of unavailable players. And at the center of it all? A rookie quarterback showdown that offers a glimpse at two very different trajectories.
Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward: A Rookie QB Showdown
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks - and for good reason. Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders continues to get valuable reps in his rookie season, and he’ll be lining up across from Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s not often we get two rookie QBs facing off this late in the season, especially with both teams out of the playoff race. But that’s exactly what makes this matchup worth watching.
For Sanders, it’s another opportunity to show he belongs, while Ward will be looking to prove why he was taken first overall. Both have flashed potential, but consistency has been elusive - not surprising given the circumstances around them, including patchwork offensive lines and limited weapons.
Injuries Continue to Shape the Storyline
Injuries have been a defining theme for both teams this year, and this week is no different. The Browns entered the week with 15 players sitting out Wednesday’s practice. By Friday, that number had narrowed, but seven players were officially ruled out for Sunday’s game, with another seven listed as questionable.
Cleveland’s inactive list includes some key names: tight end Brenden Bates, offensive linemen Jack Conklin and Wyatt Teller, and defensive tackle Adin Huntington. That’s a major hit to both trenches - a concern when you’re trying to protect a young quarterback and stop the run.
On the defensive side, the Browns are especially thin, with four defensive linemen and a starting linebacker either ruled out or questionable. That kind of attrition almost always leads to practice squad call-ups, and sure enough, Cleveland made a move - but only one.
KJ Henry Gets the Call
The Browns elevated defensive end KJ Henry from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. Henry, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound edge rusher out of Clemson, is in his third NFL season. Originally drafted by Washington in the fifth round back in 2023, Henry has bounced around a bit, suiting up for the Commanders, Bengals, and Cowboys before landing in Cleveland.
In his 14 career games (including three starts), Henry has tallied 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He’ll wear No. 90 for the Browns and should see rotational snaps, especially given the team’s depleted defensive line.
What’s notable here is that Cleveland chose to elevate only one player, despite having multiple holes on both sides of the ball. With two offensive linemen already ruled out and several others questionable, you’d expect another body up front.
The decision to elevate just Henry suggests that the Browns are optimistic at least a couple of their questionable players will be able to suit up on Sunday. Otherwise, they’d be walking into the game a man down - something no coach wants to do, especially in the trenches.
What to Watch For on Sunday
This isn’t a marquee matchup by any means, but there’s still plenty to keep an eye on:
- Quarterback play: Can Sanders or Ward take a step forward in their development? For both teams, this is about evaluating the future - and a strong showing in December can go a long way.
- Trench warfare: With so many injuries on the offensive and defensive lines, the game could be decided by which team manages to hold up better up front.
Depth will be tested.
- Defensive adjustments: With key defenders out, expect both coordinators to get creative. That could mean more blitz packages, unconventional personnel groupings, or simply trying to bend-but-not-break.
- Roster management: The Browns’ decision to elevate just one player raises questions about how they’ll handle in-game rotations and potential injuries. If someone else goes down, they could be in a tough spot.
This game might not have playoff stakes, but it’s a critical evaluation point for two franchises trying to find their footing. For the Browns and Titans, Sunday is about more than just a win - it’s about seeing who can step up when the roster is stretched thin and the spotlight is on the next generation.