Cleveland Browns wide receiver depth will be tested against Chargers

The Cleveland Browns decided to not sign a free agent wide receiver following Rashard Higgins’ sprained MCL, and it will leave them without much wide receiver depth against the Chargers.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson said that the team will be using their in-house options when asked if they were planning on signing a free agent wide receiver to replace Rashard Higgins and add depth to the position.

One of the players that was expected to step up in Higgins’ absence was undrafted rookie Derrick Willies. Against the Ravens, Willies caught three passes for 61 yards, including a 39 yard reception in overtime to put the Browns in range for the game-winning field goal.

Willies has great size at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds. But he showed on the reception in overtime that he has good speed to complement his size.

But Willies will not be able to replace Higgins this Sunday against the Chargers, as Willies fractured his collarbone during Friday’s practice and will not play on Sunday.

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With Willies unable to play Sunday, that will leave the Browns with Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, Rod Streater, and Damion Ratley as the only healthy wide receivers.

Unless the Browns decide to make a late addition to the roster, it creates a big opportunity for Ratley. The rookie had a solid preseason, but that has not translated to playing time in the regular season. With Streater only being signed before the Raiders game, Ratley would likely be in line to be the Browns No. 3 receiver against the Chargers if Willies does not play.

The injury to Willies could also give Duke Johnson a better chance at getting more touches. The running back voiced his frustrations with his lack of touches, and Jackson said that he wants to give Johnson more touches as the season goes on.

Johnson has experience lining up at wide receiver, and has had success catching passes. He may not be used exclusively as the No. 3 receiver, but he could be utilized in the slot against the Chargers. The only concern with using Johnson as a receiver is the Chargers defense will not be forced to cover him with a linebacker, potentially limiting Johnson’s effectiveness.

The Browns held a workout with free agent wide receiver Rishard Matthews on Monday, but he left without a deal. If Willies is forced to miss an extended period of time with the fractured collarbone, the Browns may revisit adding Matthews.

But as of now, the decision to not add wide receiver depth following the Higgins injury seems to have backfired. Entering Sunday, the Browns depth at wide receiver is certainly going to be tested.