One Absence Could Be Huge For The Browns Sunday

The NFL injury report is already taking on major significance early in the season. Key players all around the league are sitting out with ailments ranging from minor to season-ending.

For the most part, the Cleveland Browns are faring well. Only backup offensive lineman Teven Jenkins has been ruled out for their Week 3 game.

Their opponent, the Carolina Panthers, are not so lucky. They will be without at least three players, including one of their defensive standouts.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd has been ruled out with a calf injury, and that absence could be huge for the Browns on Sunday.

“Devin Lloyd being out is huge for the Browns. He’s an outstanding player against both the run and the pass, and his absence is a substantial loss for the Panthers’ defense. Cleveland absolutely has to get the run game going,” Lance Reisland posted.

Devin Lloyd being out is huge for the Browns. He’s an outstanding player against both the run and the pass, and his absence is a substantial loss for the Panthers’ defense. Cleveland absolutely has to get the run game going. #Browns

— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) September 26, 2026

Lloyd suffered the injury during the first half of Carolina’s 34-3 victory against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. He was able to finish the game, and he played so well he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Lloyd became the first linebacker since 1982, when sacks became an official statistic, with nine tackles, two interceptions, an interception-return TD and a sack in a game. He also posted two tackles for loss (one leading to a turnover on downs) and three passes defended (including one that led to an interception).

Carolina will also be without starting safety Nick Scott (rib) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (shoulder). The Panthers gave up 291 rushing yards in their season-opening 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears, so this is a perfect opportunity for the Browns and running back Quinshon Judkins to get on track after Cleveland has combined for just 131 yards on the ground in its first two games.

On offense, Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (ankle) and Xavier Legette (knee) are listed as questionable after they were limited participants in practice during the week. With Browns defensive backs Tyson Campbell (ankle, hip, knee) and Grant Delpit (shoulder) also listed as questionable, that could put an even greater emphasis on the matchup between Browns cornerback Denzel Ward and Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Carolina combined to score 71 points in its first two games, and quarterback Bryce Young was second in the NFL in passing yards going into this week.

Each team enters with a 1-1 record, so this could be a turning-point game for both of them early in the campaign.