The Cleveland Browns are limping into Week 16 - and not just figuratively. With Christmas around the corner, the Browns are staring down a daunting matchup against the Buffalo Bills while juggling a lengthy injury list that reads more like a preseason roster than a late-season playoff contender.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Browns are banged up. And not just a couple of guys - we’re talking core contributors, depth pieces, and everything in between.
Hosting a Buffalo team known for its aggressive, disguise-heavy pass defense is tough under normal circumstances. Doing it while half your roster is either sidelined or limited?
That’s a whole different challenge.
Browns Injury Rundown: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s Hanging On
The Browns’ first injury report of the week is a crowded one. On the offensive line alone, Cleveland is dealing with significant concerns.
Joel Bitonio (knee) and Jack Conklin (concussion) both sat out, and that’s a major hit to the protection unit. Add in Teven Jenkins (shoulder) and Wyatt Teller (calf, limited), and suddenly the Browns' once-reliable front five is looking patchwork at best.
For a team that leans on physicality in the trenches, that’s a red flag.
David Njoku, who’s been a consistent target in the passing game, also didn’t practice due to a knee issue. That’s a big blow to the Browns’ short-to-intermediate attack, especially when you consider the Bills’ ability to take away deep shots with their safeties and bracket coverage.
Defensively, it’s a similar story. Denzel Ward (calf) and Grant Delpit (groin, limited) are both key pieces in the secondary.
Ward’s absence would be especially felt against a Bills offense that thrives on timing routes and quick separation. Myles Garrett was listed as DNP, though it was for rest - a common practice for veterans this time of year.
Still, it’s a reminder of how much this defense leans on his presence.
And then there’s Deshaun Watson. Listed as limited with an Achilles issue, his status is always going to be under the microscope.
Even at limited capacity, Watson is the engine of this offense. If he’s not close to 100%, it changes the entire complexion of what the Browns can do offensively.
Depth Players Matter - And Cleveland’s Are Hurting Too
This isn’t just about the stars. The Browns’ depth is getting tested in a big way.
Mason Graham (rib), Mike Hall Jr. (illness), Adin Huntington (quad), Sam Kamara (elbow), Carson Schwesinger (ankle), Dylan Sampson (hand), Winston Reid (back), and Zak Zinter (back) were all either limited or did not participate. These are the types of players who fill out rotations, contribute on special teams, and keep the engine running.
When they’re compromised, it forces starters into heavier workloads and limits flexibility - something you can’t afford against a team like Buffalo.
The Bills Aren’t Exactly at Full Strength Either
Now, it’s not all smooth sailing for Buffalo either. Their injury report isn’t as long, but it includes some notable names.
Dion Dawkins (illness) and Dalton Kincaid (knee) both didn’t practice. Kincaid has become a key piece in the Bills’ offensive evolution this season, particularly as a safety valve for Josh Allen.
If he’s out, that changes some of the dynamics in the short passing game.
Christian Benford (toe) and Terrel Bernard (elbow) were limited, while Jordan Phillips (ankle) and Matt Prater (right quad) also didn’t participate. However, Taron Johnson (quad) and DaQuan Jones (calf) were full participants, which is a good sign for a defense that thrives on versatility and interior pressure.
What It All Means Heading Into the Weekend
This game is shaping up to be a test of depth, resilience, and coaching adjustments. For Cleveland, the question is simple: can they patch together enough healthy bodies to execute against one of the AFC’s most dangerous teams? The injuries are piling up, and against a Bills defense that can bring pressure from anywhere and disguise coverages with the best of them, that’s a tall order.
Buffalo, for their part, may not be fully healthy either, but they’re in a better spot heading into this matchup. And with playoff implications hanging in the balance, both teams know what’s at stake.
Cleveland’s path to victory likely means leaning on what they do best - establishing the run, protecting the football, and letting the defense create opportunities. But with so many key players either limited or sidelined, that margin for error just got a whole lot thinner.
One thing’s for sure: if the Browns are going to pull this one off, it’s going to take a full-team effort - and maybe a little holiday magic too.