The Browns’ injury report on Thursday brought a familiar kind of tension: the roster is healthier than it’s been in recent years, but a few names suddenly put Week 2 in a different light.
The biggest concern is Tyson Campbell. The defensive back, who lines up as the team’s No. 2 opposite Denzel Ward, did not practice because of an ankle injury.
That’s the kind of update that matters fast, because Campbell is one of the pieces Cleveland invested heavily in this offseason. He and Ward combined for 92 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two interceptions and 21 pass deflections.
If Campbell can’t go, the Browns would be looking down the depth chart at Myles Harden, Toriano Pride Jr., Mekhi Blackmon and Noah Igbinoghene. Those are workable options, but they don’t bring the same heavy-hitting, high-motor presence Campbell does. And if this becomes more than a short-term issue, Cleveland may need to consider bringing in another defender.
Teven Jenkins was also out Thursday with a back injury, and that’s been a lingering issue for more than a week. Jenkins has already been replaced by rookie lineman Austin Barber, who posted the highest Pro Football Focus grade among eligible rookie linemen and ultimately locked down the starting spot long-term.
Not every name on the report points to a major problem, though. Centers Parker Brailsford and Elgton Jenkins were limited while dealing with injuries, but both are expected to be fine by game day. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins was also limited because of a quad injury.
Collins had two pressures and one quarterback hit in the Browns’ 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, along with a 43.9 grade from PFF. It wasn’t a standout showing, but the defense as a whole never really got traction in that game, and Collins remains an important piece in trying to steady things.
With Sunday closing in, Cleveland has to hope the injury report doesn’t get worse, especially where Campbell is concerned. After a rough opener in Jacksonville, the Browns can’t afford to let health problems pile onto the issues they already have.
The Browns and Buccaneers will meet at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., at 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, Sept. 20.
In Other News...
Browns Rookie Tackle Faces A Tough Truth After Uneven Debut
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Josh Allen Is Making An Old Browns Mistake Look Even Worse
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The latest surge from Allen has also revived a curious little footnote from that draft cycle, when Jenna Jameson reportedly urged the Browns to take him before the selection was made. It is anecdotal, not an official team position, but it fits the broader pattern in Cleveland: the warning signs were there, the debate was real, and the consequences still linger. Every big Allen performance now works like a fresh reminder of how expensive quarterback instability can be when a team gets the decision wrong. [Read more 🡒]