Baker Mayfield: 4 Browns who must step up in absence
By Greg Newland
Injuries keep mounting for the Cleveland Browns. Even without Baker Mayfield, they have a game Thursday, these four players must step up for the team.
The Cleveland Browns continue to get bad news on the injury front. Not only are Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out of the game on Thursday night, Baker Mayfield has now been ruled out as the inflammation in his shoulder just won’t go away.
Remember, Jack Conklin (knee), Jedrick Wills (ankle), and Odell Beckham (shoulder) have also missed a large amount of practice and are extremely questionable on playing. Even if one or two did end up playing, they would certainly be slowed down by some pain.
The good news? It does seem like the cornerback room is finally healthy. Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney are slightly banged up, both appear they will be ready to go on Thursday.
With Case Keenum now driving the car, the offense won’t change a ton, but multiple other players will have to step up to make sure the Browns keep their playoff chances alive. See four players who may be a little under the radar typically, that must step up in this situation.
No. 4 – Austin Hooper
I don’t think anyone would argue that Austin Hooper has once again been one of the bigger disappointments this season. While he has continued to be a strong run blocker, he has been almost nonexistent in the passing game. In the last three weeks, he has had eight targets, two catches, and 15 yards to show for himself.
This offense was never going to be one where he averaged 100 yards per game, but he just can’t seem to get in sync in Cleveland. Maybe the change at quarterback will help Hooper out, but Keenum will need a sure-handed target on third down and manageable, so the team will need him to finally live up to expectations on Thursday night.