The Cleveland Browns were without their leading wide receiver once again on Thursday, and while the player and head coach continue to express optimism, Denzel Boston’s lack of practice activity was a surprise.
On Wednesday, Todd Monken downplayed Boston’s injury with reporters and made his expectations for the rookie wideout clear to reporters.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a concern,” Monken said. “Obviously, I anticipate him being out today. He’s got a little toe issue, but we anticipate him being back tomorrow.”
Boston himself met with the media on Thursday and said this prior to being announced by the team as a nonparticipant:
“Working for it,” he said of returning to onfield reps. “That’s the goal, yeah, 100% feel better. Definitely on the right path, definitely just trending up.”
Browns starting center Elgton Jenkins returned to practice today, but Cleveland was still missing three players:
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 12, 2026
WR Denzel Boston (toe)
S Ronnie Hickman (concussion)
FB Mike Burton (calf)
While that’s encouraging to hear, Boston’s clearly working through something right now. He was listed on Wednesday’s practice report with a toe injury. Last week, he was limited by a calf issue.
It hasn’t been uncommon for Browns players to take it easy early in the week before ramping up to full practice participation on Friday. Based on what Monken and Boston are saying, that feels like the most reasonable outcome this week.
For now, the concern level around one of the midseason favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year just climbed from low to moderate.
Browns' injury report updates for Week 10 against the Houston Texans
Ronnie Hickman, S (concussion)
Concern level: Moderate-to-high
Hickman continues to work his way through the NFL’s return-to-play protocol, and his absence on Thursday indicates that he hasn’t yet been cleared for non-contact individual work.
Cleveland’s starting safety entered the protocol after the Saints game, Monken said, and still has a chance to be cleared in time to face the Texans. At least a limited practice participation on Friday would put him on track.
Rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would start his fourth game of the season if Hickman is unable to go.
Michael Burton, FB (calf)
Concern level: Moderate
Back-to-back DNPs does not bode well for Cleveland’s 34-year-old fullback. He exited last week’s game against the Saints with a calf injury but ended up returning. Still, he only logged 11 total offensive snaps in a game that went down to the wire in overtime.
The veteran would get an extended break if he sits out, as the Browns have their bye in Week 11. That might be the prudent path, as Burton hasn’t been a big enough part of the offense to justify rushing him back at less than 100%.
Elgton Jenkins, C (knee)
Concern level: None
As expected, Jenkins was back on the practice field Thursday after sitting out the day prior. He’s listed with a knee injury, but Wednesday’s absence was likely more about veteran rest than anything that would prohibit Jenkins from playing in Sunday’s game.
The 30-year-old has logged 523 offensive snaps on the season, which ranks sixth on the team, per Pro Football Focus. He’s on track to start Sunday’s game — and the Browns need him against the Texans’ formidable defensive front.
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