Fans have been itching to see more of former Toledo standout Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and they’re about to get their wish in Week 10.
The Cleveland Browns ruled out starting safety Ronnie Hickman Friday as he continues to work through the NFL’s concussion protocol. That means McNeil-Warren will step into a full-time role on defense alongside veteran Grant Delpit against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Head coach Todd Monken called it a great opportunity for McNeil-Warren, who’s gotten some run on defense throughout the season in Cleveland’s three safety packages.
“That’s never easy when you’ve got two established safeties in front of you,” Monken said. “You know, pretty much right from the get-go. The young receivers were thrown in, right? Where E-man, it’s been a little bit slower process and getting the amount of snaps that you need. But talk about range, talk about physicality, and he’s really got a high football IQ that I didn’t — It’s not that I didn’t think he had one way or the other. I didn’t know that when we took him. So, I think he’s got a really bright future.”
Here’s a full breakdown of the Browns’ Week 10 injury report, including one injury that fans will want to monitor throughout the weekend.
Browns final injury report before Week 10 showdown against Texans
Ronnie Hickman, S (concussion)
Game status: Out
Monken told reporters that Hickman entered the NFL’s return-to-play protocol after last week’s loss to the Saints, but he was unable to practice Wednesday through Friday.
With extended rest coming during Cleveland’s Week 11 bye, Hickman should have a good shot at returning Nov. 29 against the Raiders.
Denzel Boston, WR (toe)
Game status: Questionable
Both Monken and Boston himself have expressed optimism about his chances of playing against the Texans, but his lack of practice activity this week is at least moderately concerning.
Boston was expected to practice on Thursday but wound up sitting. He was a limited participant on Friday.
“He came out there today and moved around. Moved around pretty good,” Monken said. “Went through our walk, took a full walk. But then when we got out there, we just limited his reps. So, we’ll have to see how he progresses tomorrow and then Sunday. But it’s trending in the right way.”
Michael Burton, FB (calf)
Game status: Out
No surprises here. The 34-year-old Burton injured his calf during last week’s game against the Saints, and with the bye week looming, there was no reason to rush him back at less than 100 percent. The veteran hasn’t been a major part of the offense, and the run game has struggled whether or not he’s been on the field.
The Browns may have to replicate Burton’s usual fullback role with other players. One of those players could be tight end Carsen Ryan, who got some reps at that position during training camp.
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