Ronnie Harrison left Sunday’s game early with a shoulder injury incurred in the first quarter.
The defense was able to hang on, turning away a 2-point conversion to secure the Cleveland Browns‘ 8th win.
Initial reports after the game were positive for Harrison’s recovery.
But a subsequent MRI revealed the injury to be worse than feared.
The #Browns activated pass-rusher Myles Garrett from the reserve/COVID-19 list and placed Ronnie Harrison Jr. (shoulder) on Injured Reserve. Harrison may have a chance to return late in the season, potentially in the (gulp) playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2020
Cleveland placed the safety on injured reserve today, guaranteeing he’ll miss at least three games.
But now Jake Trotter of ESPN reports Harrison could be lost for up to 6 weeks.
Browns S Harrison out 4-6 weeks, source says https://t.co/CtFXO7zRkC
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 1, 2020
That would spell the end of Harrison’s regular season.
But in an unusual development in Cleveland, there could be playoff games for Harrison to return for.
Meanwhile, the Browns are hopeful Harrison can make his way back for a regular-season game or two before then.
Not What the Browns Needed
Joe Woods had big plans for the Browns defense heading into his first season by the lake.
But as if Covid didn’t make enough of an impact, injuries affected the Browns’ outlook even before the season started.
Rookie Grant Delpit, expected to be a cog in Woods’ dime-heavy defense was lost for the year in the preseason.
Cornerback Greedy Williams suffered nerve damage in his shoulder that leaves him off the active roster.
Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward likely out ‘a few weeks’ with a calf injury pic.twitter.com/PY6JsU4nMu
— JDF Media (@_jdfmedia) November 25, 2020
Kevin Johnson missed several games earlier in the season with a liver laceration.
But the Browns are more concerned about who will suit up in Week 13,
Denzel Ward was playing at an All-Pro level before a calf injury sidelined him in Week 11.
He is not expected back for the Titans game.
Free safety Sheldrick Redwine missed the Jacksonville game and remains questionable with a knee injury.
Andrew Sendejo played his best game Sunday despite a groin injury that made him questionable.
Help On The Way?
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski expects all the players currently on their Covid list to return for Week 13.
That includes Myles Garrett, Joe Jackson, and Sione Takitaki on defense.
We've activated Myles Garrett from the reserve/COVID-19 list and placed Ronnie Harrison Jr. (shoulder) on IR
Details » https://t.co/nXulmNofIl pic.twitter.com/IwOCL2PXBZ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 1, 2020
None of those players will line up as a safety or corner, but they will bolster the first two levels.
Former Seahawk and Chiefs safety, Tedrick Thompson, signed with the team Monday.
But he has to clear Covid testing protocols before joining the team on the field.
For now, Joe Woods will rely on the next man up against Tennessee.
NEXT: If The Browns Make The Playoffs, Here Is Their Ideal Matchup
