4 Key Browns Players Dealing With Injuries

The Cleveland Browns have a lot of work to do after getting walloped by the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. It was a humbling loss that unfortunately extended two long streaks of futility against the team’s AFC North rival as the Browns still haven’t won in Pittsburgh in the regular season since 2003 or swept them since 1988.

Not only did the Browns get embarrassed by the Steelers, but they now have some injuries to a few key players on both sides of the ball as they get set to rebound at New Orleans on Sunday. It’s a great opportunity to get back on track since the Saints are 0-4 at home and giving up nearly 30 points a game in the Superdome, but a lot of that hinges on how healthy the Browns can get by Sunday.

ESPN’s Tony Grossi shared Cleveland’s pre-practice report from Wednesday, and there are some concerning names on that list.

“Browns pre-practice report: not expected to practice:

OT Austin Barber (calf)

DT Maliek Collins (elbow)

QB Deshaun Watson (concussion)

LB Quincy Williams (hamstring)” Grossi said.

Browns pre-practice report:
not expected to practice:
OT Austin Barber (calf)
DT Maliek Collins (elbow)
QB Deshaun Watson (concussion)
LB Quincy Williams (hamstring)

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 4, 2026

Watson is the biggest name on that list after showing up to practice on Tuesday experiencing concussion symptoms. He originally left Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after taking a hard hit early in the game, but he was able to return after clearing concussion protocol. Now that he is back in the protocol, it’s looking like Shedeur Sanders will get his first start of the year on Sunday.

Barber has done a great job as the starting right guard after filling in for Elgton Jenkins, who went down with an injury just ahead of the regular season. Jenkins is finally healthy now, so if Barber winds up missing Sunday’s game, Sanders will be in good hands if he is the starter.

Collins and Williams being banged up on defense is a problem. There is not a ton of depth on that side of the ball and the Saints have plenty of weapons who can pose issues for defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

Keep an eye out for updates on these guys as this week of practice unfolds. Losing any of them for this matchup would be tough, but it’s still early in the week and they all have plenty of time to rest up.