Cleveland Browns: 5 players with key roles for playoff push

5 Cleveland Browns who will play key roles down the stretch

Their schedule may have been relatively easy, but this season has been anything but for the Cleveland Browns. They’ve recently been hit with even more adversity, as a large number of players were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list the night before the team’s victory over the New York Jets.

Cleveland’s depth has been tested all season, and that will continue over the next few weeks. Here are five non-stars who will be key contributors as the Browns attempt to qualify for and advance in the NFL playoffs.

5. WR Marvin Hall

Claimed off waivers on December 7th, Marvin Hall saw his first action with the Browns against New York, catching one pass for 12 yards. Thrust into action by virtue of being the only active wide receiver on the roster (before Ja’Marcus Bradley and Derrick Willies were elevated from the practice squad), Hall played 74 snaps on the afternoon, which ranked second among the thin position group.

He is in his fifth pro season and is a quality deep threat, averaging 21.1 yards per reception for his career with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. Cleveland lacked a burner this year, and even before Odell Beckham Jr. went down in Week 7, the Browns weren’t able to stretch the field very well.

That’s where Hall will make an impact in limited snaps once the wide receiver room is healthy and active once again. He’ll also have a (very) limited opportunity to perhaps earn himself a potential look from the team in 2021.