The first practice of the week usually brings a few surprises. Players who looked fine on Sunday sometimes show up on Wednesday nursing something new, and teams are careful about what they reveal. For the Browns, who are trying to snap a 2-game losing streak, the timing of these updates matters a great deal. One of their most productive young players gave reporters reason for concern before practice even started.
Justin Cooper of ESPN spotted Denzel Boston in the locker room Wednesday wearing a protective boot.
“#Browns Denzel Boston is on the locker room sporting a walking boot. We’ll see if he’ll be out at practice,” Cooper said.
#Browns Denzel Boston is on the locker room sporting a walking boot. We’ll see if he’ll be out at practice.
— Coop (The Real Justin Cooper) (@JJCoop25) November 11, 2026
Boston did not end up practicing. Scott Petrak shared the full list of absences later in the afternoon.
“Browns DT Maliek Collins (elbow/illness) back practicing. Not practicing: WR Denzel Boston (toe), S Ronnie Hickman (concussion), C Elgton Jenkins (knee), FB Michael Burton (calf),” Petrak said.
Browns DT Maliek Collins (elbow/illness) back practicing.
Not practicing: WR Denzel Boston (toe), S Ronnie Hickman (concussion), C Elgton Jenkins (knee), FB Michael Burton (calf).— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 11, 2026
A toe injury that requires a walking boot is a worry for any receiver, since so much of the position depends on cutting and pushing off. Boston was already dealing with a calf injury before the Saints game, though he still played 93% of the offensive snaps in New Orleans.
Losing him would be a big blow. The 39th overall pick has 32 catches for 507 yards and 3 touchdowns through 9 games, averaging 15.8 yards per catch.
He has also been one of Cleveland’s best big-play threats. Boston has 2 catches of 60 yards this season, including one in Sunday’s overtime loss, when he led the team with 6 catches for 98 yards.
If Boston cannot go, KC Concepcion, Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. would take on bigger roles. Jeudy stayed in Cleveland through the trade deadline, and that decision looks a little better now.
The rest of the report adds to the concern. Hickman suffered a concussion after playing 74 defensive snaps and making 9 tackles in New Orleans. Jenkins is dealing with his knee again after being limited 2 weeks ago, and the Browns are already without Parker Brailsford, who was inactive last week. Burton has also been the team’s fullback in heavier formations.
The one piece of good news is Collins. The veteran defensive tackle missed the Saints game with an elbow injury, and his return to practice could help a run defense that has given up 501 yards over the last 3 games.
The Browns still have 2 more practices before Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, so there is time for things to improve. For now, Boston’s status is the one Browns fans will be watching most closely.
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