Browns Injury: Jim Leonhard Questionable
The Cleveland Browns face off with the Oakland Raiders in a game that they assumed they would win but after last week there are no promises. The Browns injury report is better than last week but a new addition could put a glitch in plans. Safety/punt catcher Jim Leonhard sat out practice today:
Jim Leonhard not practicing today; bad news for the punt return unit
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) October 24, 2014
The punt return unit has had their struggles this year. Travis Benjamin was expected to be an electric return guy. Instead he was removed from the position. Jordan Poyer took over but muffed a punt at the two yard line last week, a punt he should have let bounce into the endzone. Head Coach Mike Pettine has called Leonhard a “punt catcher” as he has sure hands but is unlikely to make a return for much yardage. With the struggles it is likely that Leonhard would be back to catch punts Sunday. Instead he is now listed as questionable:
#Browns list Rubin as probable, S Jim Leonhard (ankle) questionable. DL Taylor and WR Smith out.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 24, 2014
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Punt returning is often about confidence in what you are doing. Would Benjamin or Poyer feel confident returning this upcoming week or feel a ton of pressure? Could Marlon Moore or Andrew Hawkins take over in that role?
Leonhard also has played some in the secondary, where his veteran leadership is felt.
It is on punt returns, especially those deep in Browns territory where him missing the game would be the most concern.
How concerned are you if Leonhard is unable to play Sunday?