Browns Reeling After Week 13 Blowout, Injury Woes Pile Up
There’s no easy way to spin it - Week 13 was a gut punch for the Cleveland Browns. A lopsided loss to the San Francisco 49ers exposed some familiar flaws, and while the defense once again showed signs of life, the rest of the team struggled to keep pace.
Special teams faltered, and the offense never found its rhythm. It was the kind of Sunday that leaves a franchise searching for answers - and unfortunately for Cleveland, Monday didn’t bring much relief.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski met with the media and delivered a wave of injury updates that only added to the Browns’ growing list of concerns. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who’s been one of the lone bright spots this season, is now out for the year after suffering a quad injury.
It’s a tough break for a player who was putting together a career-best campaign in his first year with the team. Collins had been a disruptive force on the interior, anchoring a defensive line that’s been one of the few consistent units on the roster.
The hits didn’t stop there. Veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin has entered concussion protocol, and guard Wyatt Teller is now week-to-week with a calf injury. Running back Dylan Sampson, the promising rookie who’s seen increased snaps in recent weeks, is listed as day-to-day with a calf issue of his own.
For Conklin and Teller, injuries have become an unfortunate theme in recent seasons. Both have battled through various ailments that have limited their availability, and now the Browns will likely need to lean on younger, less experienced players to step up in the trenches. Stefanski confirmed that Teller will miss Week 14, at minimum.
As for Sampson, the rookie has flashed some potential since his debut in Week 1. He’s seen more involvement over the past two weeks, and while the Browns are clearly intrigued by what he brings to the table, there's little reason to rush him back given the team’s 3-9 record. With the postseason no longer a realistic goal, Cleveland would be wise to prioritize long-term health and player development down the stretch.
It’s been a tough road for the Browns this season, and the numbers don’t lie - since the franchise’s return, few teams have endured more heartbreak or instability. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the final stretch of the season could offer an extended look at the team’s young core. With the 2026 NFL Draft looming large, Cleveland has a chance to evaluate talent across the board - especially at premium positions - and begin shaping what they hope will be a more competitive future.
For now, though, the Browns are left with more questions than answers. And after another bruising Sunday, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier.