Six players on the Cleveland Browns defense have been mainstays on the field through two weeks of the season, playing at least 85% of the total snaps.
Two of those players — cornerback Tyson Campbell and safety Grant Delpit — were listed as questionable for Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
"They went through practice today and we'll see where they're at," head coach Todd Monken told reporters Friday. "They [did] a little work here post practice, but we're hopeful they'll be able to go."
Zac Jackson of The Athletic reported that Delpit said, “I’m gonna play. I feel good enough.” But he wasn’t able to practice in full all week with a shoulder injury, and wasn’t even in uniform for Friday's session. How much he’ll be able to go against the Panthers is certainly in question right now.
Campbell feels like more of a wild-card. He’s listed with hip and ankle injuries and was limited to individual drills on Friday. He wasn’t able to finish Cleveland’s Week 2 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was beaten for a couple of big plays by Baker Mayfield and company on the 43 defensive snaps he was able to play.
The Browns are going to need to be good on defense on Sunday, as the Panthers come in averaging the second-most offensive points per game.
With that in mind, here are three Browns reserves who could have more on their plate as Cleveland looks to win its second straight game.
Cleveland Browns players who may be counted upon more in Week 3
Mekhi Blackmon, CB
Blackmon was an intriguing waiver claim by the Browns after roster cutdown day. He was a third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 and played a major role for the Colts after getting traded to Indianapolis last summer.
Blackmon’s role has been minimal so far through two games, as he’s only logged two defensive snaps. But he was the next man up when Campbell left the game against Tampa Bay, and he’s held up well in coverage so far. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s allowed one reception on three targets for 6 yards and has one pass breakup.
The Browns could be relying on Blackmon a lot sooner than expected if Campbell is unable to go on Sunday. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker have both been extremely productive through two games, and quarterback Bryce Young will likely waste no time testing Blackmon if he’s on the field.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S
Browns fans have been waiting to see more of McNeil-Warren, their team’s second-round draft pick out of nearby Toledo. The rookie has played a total of 24 defensive snaps this season, and he should continue to see a part-time role as long as Delpit and Ronnie Hickman are healthy.
Delpit is banged up. It sounds like he’s going to give it a go on Sunday, but if his snap count is limited by his shoulder injury, Browns fans could get their first real glimpse at what McNeil-Warren can do.
McNeil-Warren has been biding his time on special teams. He made three tackles for Byron Storer’s group in the win over Tampa Bay. His time on defense is coming, and Sunday could be the first step.
D’Angelo Ross
The Browns signed Ross back to the practice squad this week, and that was likely motivated by two things: Campbell’s health, and veteran Noah Igbinoghene’s ineffectiveness.
Igbinoghene was up for his first game with the Browns on Sunday, and it wasn’t exactly pretty. He played eight defensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus, and Mayfield immediately went after him, completing two passes with Igbinoghene in coverage for 37 yards.
It’s also worth noting that all eight of Igbinoghene’s snaps came with him aligned in the slot. The Browns elevated Ross from the practice squad for the season opener against Jacksonville, and it's easy to see them doing the same for Week 3 as added depth on the outside behind Blackmon.
Ross could also be a factor on special teams if he gets the call Sunday.
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