Cleveland Browns: What happens if Isaiah Crowell is suspended?
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell may be facing a suspension after posting an offensive image on Instagram.
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell recently posted a controversial image on social media. According to a statement he released, this post was an emotional reaction to the violence across the nation last week.
He also regretted posting the image, apologizing for it not once but twice nationally and deleted the image almost immediately after he posted it. Nonetheless, he still posted it and under the NFL personnel conduct policy he could face fines and even suspension.
Crowell could get a multi-game suspension, but since this is his first offense since entering the league, that is unlikely, especially once you factor in what steps he has taken to rectify his actions. However, if he did receive a multi-game suspension, what would that mean for the Browns who are admittedly already thin at the running back position?
The Browns have said they want to be a run-oriented offense and all early indicators are that this is true. They have also said they wanted to feature Crowell and Duke Johnson, while Head Coach Hue Jackson has raved about their talent.
But one has to wonder if Crowell does get suspended, how will this affect the Browns game plan or do they have someone ready to fill in? Who could benefit from this suspension and who could be hurt by it?
The first name that comes to mind on who would benefit from this is Duke Johnson. He would become the featured back and see an increase in playing time and carries. This would give him the opportunity to showcase his abilities and prove that he could handle the workload.
Another person who would benefit is Glenn Winston, who would be kept on the 53-man roster and be given significant playing time. He would receive some of Crowell’s carries and be brought in to give Johnson a breather when necessary.
Terrell Watson, who is viewed as more of a situational player, could also see an increase in his time on the field. Seen as more of a short-yardage back, both he and Winston could end up splitting the carries that were supposed to go to Crowell.
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Another person to benefit is Raheem Mostert. Mostert stands 6-foot-1, weighs 231 pounds, and was considered a long shot to make the practice squad, but if Crowell gets suspended then look to Mostert to fill in Winston’s spot on the practice squad.
Another name that could benefit is currently unknown. The Browns could bring in another UDFA or a veteran free agent to fill the void until Crowell’s return, but this is the least likely to happen unless they see more potential on some other team’s practice squad than what they currently have under contract themselves.
Of course, the group hurt most by it are the members of the Browns coaching staff, who now have to reorganize their running back room and their game plans for the games Crowell may not be available for.
Isaiah Crowell would also suffer, not unjustly, due to the lack of playing time but also financially as he would not get paid for any games he misses, not including the game check he will be donating to the Dallas Fallen Officers fund. This could also affect his production once he does return as he could be out of sync with the rhythm the offense would have established while he was away.
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Then there are the fans, who would have to wait to see Hue Jackson’s full offense and have that “what if” hanging over them if the Browns lose multiple games during a Crowell suspension.