Cleveland Browns injury report: Two key Titans out for Sunday, two others questionable

The Tennessee Titans will be far from full strength this week

The Cleveland Browns have been bitten by the injury bug as of late, but so have their Week 12 opponent, the Tennessee Titans.

Friday’s injury report features two key starters listed as out for Sunday, with two others listed as questionable.

Cornerback Adoree Jackson began the season on injured reserve and was activated on November 11th, but has yet to suit up for a game. That won’t happen this week, leaving Malcolm Butler, Desmond King, and Breon Borders as the starting corners.

Tight end Jonnu Smith, one of the NFL’s best offensive weapons, is also out. He has seven touchdown catches this season, and also brings terrific blocking ability. The Browns can never seem to cover tight ends, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his backups have nice games, but at the very least Cleveland won’t have to deal with Smith’s dynamic athleticism.

Rodger Saffold is one of the league’s better guards, and if he can’t play on Sunday, Tennessee’s offensive line, which is already subpar without All-Pro Taylor Lewan and rookie Isaiah Wilson, will have a difficult task ahead of them, with Myles Garrett returning and both Olivier Vernon and Adrian Clayborn playing their best football of 2020.

Defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons is also question, having missed two of three practice sessions this week. His absence would have the biggest impact, as he’s one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league, and the Titans defense isn’t great with him on the field. If Simmons were to miss this game, Cleveland’s gameplan would change significantly, as there would likely be more running room inside for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

Injuries play a huge role in teams’ week-to-week performance, and although the Titans are favored this week, these players’ statuses for Sunday could change things for the Browns.