Antonio Callaway’s return comes at great time for Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns second-year wide receiver Antonio Callaway was suspended four games in August, but his return couldn’t come at a better time to face the San Francisco 49ers this week.

The Cleveland Browns had their best offensive performance of the season against the Baltimore Ravens last week, scoring 40 points and putting up 530 yards of offense. Yet, the offense still seemed to be missing something: A receiving threat to compliment Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

The prolific duo both have at least 300 yards and 18 catches so far this season. But there is a steep drop off in production after that. Nick Chubb is the next leading receiver with 14 catches and 99 yards. However, Chubb is at his best when he is running between the tackles, not catching passes.

The next leading wide receiver is Damion Ratley with eight catches for 103 yards and no touchdowns. It is clear the Browns need another weapon at wide receiver behind Beckham and Landry. Insert Antonio Callaway.

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Callaway, a fourth-round pick in 2018, led the team with five receiving touchdowns with 43 catches and 586 yards last season. That kind of production this season could make the Browns a top-five offense. Callaway will get a lot of single coverage because of the talent of Landry and Beckham.

There will be some pressure on Callaway to produce right away because the injuries are adding up to Cleveland’s receivers. Rashard Higgins has only played in one game so far this season as he continues to rehab a hip injury.

Landry left the game against the Ravens and is now in concussion protocol, making his status uncertain for this week. Tight end David Njoku is on injured reserve until at least Week 12 with a broken wrist.

Other options will be crucial for Baker Mayfield this week against the 49ers defense and Richard Sherman, who is a true lock down corner. Beckham was shadowed by Marlon Humphrey last week and was held to just two catches. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones flashed with three receptions 82 yards and a touchdown, but they probably cannot depend on that every week.

With all of the injuries to the receivers, Cleveland should re-sign Derrick Willies, who they cut at the end of training camp and put on the practice squad. Willies caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in the preseason and competed for a final roster spot.

Adding Willies will not be necessary if Callaway returns and has the type of impact he had a year ago. Most draft experts considered him a first or second round talent, but he fell to the fourth round of the draft due to concerns off the football field. As a freshman at the University of Florida Callaway was named an All-American return specialist.

He has talent and has shown it. There is a huge hole for him to fill if he can beat one on one coverage and stay healthy. If he does so, he will be a difference maker for the Browns offense.