The Todd Monken era got off to a rough start on Saturday. The Cleveland Browns came back from the Windy City with a 34-10 defeat to the Chicago Bears. While there were some high points, the lows were particularly low.
That spells trouble for guys whose roster spots might've been up for grabs. Some did just enough to keep fighting for a roster spot, while others only cast more doubt on their futures.
Whether it's because they didn't play and their replacements looked better, or because they failed to make the most of their opportunities, these four Browns players are now hanging by a thread to make the 53-man roster.
4 Browns players in trouble after the preseason opener
Dawand Jones, OT
Jones played 50 percent of the snaps in the preseason opener, getting an extended run after starter Spencer Fano's day was over. However, after a strong camp and positive reviews about his slimmed-down body, he didn't do much to help his case.
Jones struggled to set the pocket, and he probably wouldn't have out-snapped Austin Barber if the latter hadn't had to leave briefly with an ankle injury. Even with a subpar performance, the rookie seems to be ahead of Jones in the battle for the swing tackle job.
The veteran tackle has lost some ground in the competition over the past couple of weeks. And with three season-ending injuries in as many NFL seasons, it's safe to assume the Browns won't hesitate to pull the plug here.
Joe Royer, TE
Royer didn't suit up for the preseason opener, and that's precisely why he's in trouble. The Browns' tight end depth was put to the test, and fellow rookie Carsen Ryan made the most of his opportunities by playing 45 percent of the snaps.
Royer is away from the team and attending to an undisclosed personal matter. He's missed all of training camp and has no timetable to return, all while Ryan has made a strong impression as a blocker.
There are no guarantees for Day 3 rookies. Royer looked poised to be the team's second pass-catching tight end behind Harold Fannin Jr., but his chances of making the roster are completely up in the air right now.
Raheim Sanders, RB
Raheim "Rocket" Sanders only played 14 snaps on offense and five on special teams. He's listed as the third running back on the team's unofficial depth chart, but he worked behind Ahmani Marshall in the Bears game.
Sanders didn't do much with the opportunities he did get, either. He amassed nine rushing yards on two carries and hauled in two receptions for seven yards.
Marshall had three catches for 19 yards and played 25 total snaps. Touches will be scarce behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, especially if fullback Michael Burton makes the team. As such, every play can tilt the scales here.
Cedric Tillman, WR
Tillman was unavailable for the preseason opener with an undisclosed injury. If that sounds familiar, it's because it is. He's struggled to stay healthy and there's no more incentive for the Browns to stay patient with him.
Not only did he not suit up, but guys on the Browns' roster bubble made some plays. Luke Floriea showed his big-play abilities with a 35-yard reception from Shedeur Sanders, and Gage Larvadain was everywhere on offense and special teams.
With KC Concepcion, Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Boston, and Isaiah Bond all locks to make the roster, there are only so many roster spots to go around. Every day Tillman misses going forward is a day closer to his departure.
Add us as a preferred source on Google