Deshaun Watson is officially back as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, ready for their Week 10 clash against the Houston Texans. But hold up, because both teams just dropped their first injury reports for the week, and it’s a whole lot to unpack. We’re talking over two dozen players either not practicing or limited to kick off their preparations. This is the NFL in November, right? Injuries become the story, and this week is no different.
Cleveland’s Critical Absences Heading into Watson’s Return
The Browns are dealing with 11 players designated as either not practicing or limited, and some of those are major hits. Right off the bat, wide receiver Denzel Boston (toe) and fullback Michael Burton (calf) were both DNPs, missing practice entirely. Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. is also out, dealing with a concussion, and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is sidelined with a knee injury. Those are big names that could impact both sides of the ball.
Then you’ve got a whole list of guys who were limited. Offensive linemen Austin Barber (calf) and Tytus Howard (knee) are both nursing issues. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (elbow) and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) are also banged up. Linebackers Carson Schwesinger (wrist, ankle) and Quincy Williams (hamstring) are limited, too, along with cornerback Denzel Ward (quad). That’s a lot of talent not at 100%, and it puts a huge question mark on how strong the Browns will be supporting Watson’s comeback.
Houston Battling Their Own Hurdles
The Texans are right there with Cleveland, also reporting 11 players with DNP or limited tags. They have some serious absences too, with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (groin) out for personal reasons, not injury related. Tight end Brevin Jordan (finger, foot) and running back David Montgomery (groin) are both DNPs, along with offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (neck, shoulder). Losing key skill position players and an O-lineman, that’s tough.
Their limited list is just as long. Safety Reed Blankenship (concussion, hand), wide receiver Tank Dell (hand, shoulder), and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (hamstring) are all working through stuff. Linebacker Jacob Hummel (groin), running back Woody Marks (knee), cornerback Jaylin Smith (hamstring), and offensive lineman Wyatt Teller (illness) round out the group. It’s not all bad news for Houston, though: offensive lineman Blake Fisher (thumb) and defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (elbow, shoulder) were both full participants, which is a good sign for those guys.
With so many key guys banged up on both sides, this Week 10 matchup between the Browns and Texans is gonna be a grind. How these teams adjust to missing crucial players, especially with Watson making his comeback, is going to be the real story to watch. Get ready, because it’s going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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