The Cleveland Browns roll into Thursday Night Football with a massive opportunity to grab the top spot in the AFC North. But that shot just got a lot tougher with news that offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is likely missing the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to concussion protocol testing requirements. Thursday games often mean teams play it safe with injuries, and this is a huge blow early in the season, especially when the stakes are this high.
Browns’ O-Line Takes A Hit For TNF
This Elgton Jenkins news is a gut punch for Cleveland’s offensive line. He was listed as “DNP,” or Did Not Participate, on Monday’s estimated injury report, which means he likely would not have been able to practice. With those concussion protocol rules, it’s almost a certainty he won’t be out there. And he’s not the only one. The Browns are already dealing with Tytus Howard limited by a knee issue and Teven Jenkins, another offensive lineman, sitting out with a back problem. That’s three O-linemen potentially hampered or sidelined heading into a crucial divisional battle. Rookie Paker Brailsford is listed as the backup center, but he’s been inactive all season, while Luke Wypler has been active. You gotta wonder how much shuffling the line will need for this one.
It’s not all bad news for Cleveland, though. Head Coach Todd Monken noted that cornerback Tyson Campbell, who missed Week 3, was close to playing against the Carolina Panthers and is now likely to suit up against the Steelers. That’s a huge sigh of relief for the defense. Still, safety Grant Delpit (shoulder) was limited, and wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee) also did not participate in the estimated practice. Health is always key, but these early season hits can really test a team’s depth.
Joey Porter Jr.’s Standoff Keeps Steelers On Edge
Across the field, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with their own drama, specifically around cornerback Joey Porter Jr. He was listed as “Full” on the injury report for “not injury related/conditioning,” but let’s be real, it’s not about his health. Porter hasn’t played a single snap in Pittsburgh’s first three games due to an ongoing contract dispute and a lingering back issue from training camp. Based on the Steelers’ strict rules against negotiating during the season, it seems super unlikely he’ll be making his debut this week. That’s a whole lot of talent on the sideline when you’re facing a divisional rival.
Pittsburgh’s injury report also showed cornerback Jalen Ramsey (wrist) as limited and fellow cornerback Brandin Echols (concussion) as limited. Running back Rico Dowdle (toe) did not participate in Monday’s estimate. Both teams are limping a bit into this Thursday Night Football clash, but the question marks around key players like Elgton Jenkins and Joey Porter Jr. could easily swing the momentum.
Thursday Night Football against the Steelers is already a huge game for the Browns to stake their claim in the AFC North. Missing Elgton Jenkins definitely makes it a steeper climb. Can the rest of the O-line step up, or will the Steelers take advantage? At least Tyson Campbell is expected to be out there. We’ll find out if that’s enough when the whistle blows.
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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