Browns Without Denzel Ward, Khadarel Hodge Against Titans

Cleveland faces the Tennessee Titans Sunday with a couple of shorthanded units.

The final injury report lists cornerback Denzel Ward and wide receiver Khadarel Hodge as “out” for the game.

Ward suffered a calf injury two weeks ago and missed the Jaguars game.

#Browns have ruled CB Denzel Ward (calf), WR KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring) & WR Taywan Taylor (neck) OUT. DT Vincent Taylor (knee) & C Nick Harris (ankle) are QUESTIONABLE

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) December 4, 2020

The team did not put Ward on the Injured Reserve, although there is concern he could miss 3 or more contests.

Khadarel Hodge pulled a hamstring in practice Thursday and could not go on Friday.

He is listed as “week-to-week” on the Cleveland Browns’ injury list.

Fellow wide receiver Taywan Taylor (neck) is out for Sunday’s game as well.

Cleveland also placed safety Ronnie Harrison on injured reserve Monday with a shoulder injury.

He’ll miss at least three weeks.

Browns Add 4th Wide Receiver From Practice Squad 

Cleveland was down to three active wide receivers on their roster and it could have been worse.

Jarvis Landry, fresh off his first 100-yard game, was listed on the injury report all week.

But despite the knee injury noted by the Browns, Landry practiced in full each day.

We've signed WR Ja’Marcus Bradley to the active roster from the practice squad and S Tedric Thompson has been activated from the exempt list.

Details » https://t.co/LOGABTupFH pic.twitter.com/XVe2tWGDvK

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 5, 2020

Rashard Higgins will be the second wide receiver with rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones in line for more work.

Cleveland made a move to bolster the unit, adding undrafted rookie Ja’Marcus Bradley to the active roster Saturday.

Bradley had a nice career at Louisiana-Lafayette where he caught the 4th most passes and 2nd most touchdowns in school history.

He also returned 24 kicks and can serve as an emergency backup to Peoples-Jones.

Reinforcements Arrive For Defense

The big news for Cleveland fans is the return of Myles Garrett from the Covid-19 list.

Garrett not only tested positive but told News5Cleveland the virus “kicked my butt.” 

Cleveland’s star defensive end missed 2 games and lost his lead in sacks to Aaron Donald.

We've activated DE Joe Jackson and LB Sione Takitaki from the reserve/COVID-19 list

Details » https://t.co/UGTEaY0R19 pic.twitter.com/dcG09bVAol

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 4, 2020

Although he says he will be 100% on the field, head coach Kevin Stefanski says he’ll keep an eye out for signs of fatigue from his defensive captain.

Backup end Joe Jackson and linebacker Sione Takitaki returned from the Covid list in time to play Sunday.

Sheldrick Redwine practiced all week after missing the Jaguars game with a hamstring.

He carries no injury designation, indicating he is completely healthy to face the Titans.

Cleveland activated newly signed safety Tedric Thompson from the exempt list Saturday, but he is unavailable for Sunday.

Offensive Line Ready For Titans 

Jack Conklin (knee), JC Tretter (knee), and Nick Harris (ankle) were limited in practice all week.

Cleveland listed Wyatt Teller (calf) as limited until Friday when he was a full participant.

Only Harris carries an injury designation into the game, listed as questionable.

That means Baker Mayfield and the running backs can count on a full complement of offensive lineman Sunday.

The news is even better for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

Fullback Andy Janovich returned from the Covid List Monday to help carve paths through the Titans’ defense.