Cleveland Browns: Week 2 gets more difficult as Josh Gordon, Christian Kirksey won’t play

The Cleveland Browns already had a tough game ahead of them in Week 2 and that got much more difficult with the news that Josh Gordon and Christian Kirksey won’t play

Despite their 0-1 record, the New Orleans Saints posed a huge problem for the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. Even in defeat, they showed off their offensive capabilities by scoring 40 points.

In order to keep up with such a high-scoring team, the Browns need to have everyone on defense playing to the best of their ability in an effort to slow them down. On offense, they need to control the clock and get their playmakers involved.

One of those playmakers won’t be able to get involved though. It was reported on Saturday that wide receiver Josh Gordon would miss the game as he deals with a hamstring issue. Also out will be linebacker Christian Kirksey, a defensive leader who was among the leaders in tackles in the NFL in 2017.

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Losing key players on both sides of the ball makes a tough challenge even more difficult. It won’t be impossible especially considering there are finally other players who can step up and help.

On offense, the Browns will lean on Jarvis Landry and possibly rookie Antonio Callaway in Gordon’s absence. Rashard Higgins has also looked much improved in recent weeks.

On defense, they’ll have linebacker James Burgess back and both Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins are ready to play.

Here’s the full injury report courtesy of the team’s official website.

Out:

Christian Kirksey, Linebacker (shoulder/ankle),
Josh Gordon, Wide Receiver (hamstring)
Seth DeValve, Tight End (hamstring)
Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End (ankle)

All other players from the injury report have been cleared to play. James Burgess was dealing with concussion symptoms and E.J. Gaines had a knee issue that kept them out in Week 1. They should both make their debut against New Orleans.