The Cleveland Browns suffered two key injuries during the Sunday night game with the New York Giants.
First was guard Chris Hubbard‘s injury which has turned out to be a season-ender.
Then, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson suffered a neck injury.
Richardson’s Injury
Midway through the 3rd quarter, Richardson injured his neck on a 1 yard run by Wayne Gallman.
He left the field on his own accord but went into the medical tent on the sidelines and never returned to the game.
Stefanski said in the postgame press conference that X-rays were negative, and the injury was not presumed to be serious.
Richardson Was Not At Wednesday Practice
A tell-tale indicator of how players are feeling physically is if they participate in practice on Wednesday.
Richardson did not practice, but Stefanski offered encouragement when asked about his status for Sunday.
He indicated that Richardson was held out of practice for precautionary reasons only and not because his injury was serious.
Stefanski expects Sheldon Richardson to play Sunday.#Browns
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) December 23, 2020
So all systems appear to be in motion for Richardson to face his former team on Sunday.
The Jets selected Richardson in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft (13th overall).
He spent four years there before bouncing around to Seattle and Minnesota and landing in Cleveland in 2019.
Richardson has played well in 2020; he has 31 solo tackles and 1 forced fumble.
Other Injury News
Safety Andrew Sendejo cleared concussion protocol and participated in practice on Wednesday.
Sendejo was injured during the Ravens game and was not active for the Giants game.
Also, safety Ronnie Harrison has been activated from injured reserve.
He injured his shoulder in the Jacksonville game on November 29.
Harrison played well before going down; he had 19 solo tackles, a pick 6, and a fumble recovery in the first 10 games of the season, 6 of which he started.
#Browns designated safety Ronnie Harrison (shoulder) to return from Injured Reserve. A major boost to the secondary with the playoffs in sight.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 23, 2020
Michael Dunn Signed From Practice Squad
In related news, the Browns are trying to fortify the offensive line that is now depleted with Wyatt Teller and Chris Hubbard’s injuries.
Rookie center Nick Harris will play, but the signing of offensive lineman Michael Dunn from the practice squad indicates Harris may get some help.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said he believes Michael Dunn is ready to step up as a back-up at right guard.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 21, 2020
Next Man Up
The Browns have been getting by with the “next man up” mentality.
Despite suffering long-term and severe injuries, the backup players have met the challenge.
Of course, going into the playoffs, the Browns will try to get some starters healthy especially Wyatt Teller.
And hopefully, Myles Garrett will be more removed and better recovered from the COVID-19 illness he experienced.
Jets Are Ready
The one thing we learned last week is that the Jets have nothing to lose.
Well technically they did, but they don’t seem to care that last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams jeopardized their chances of landing the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft which everyone believes will be Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.
They would delight in being the spoilers and ruining the Browns playoff hopes so the Browns need to be as healthy and as prepared as possible for a tough game for the second Sunday in a row at MetLife Stadium.
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