Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski grimaces as he walks on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Injuries have been a persistent challenge for the Cleveland Browns this season. Injuries threatened to derail the Browns’ plans, affecting both great players and vital backups.
But the Browns have persevered and continue to win. In Week 17, they earned an AFC wild card position and advanced to the NFL playoffs. They’ve also won at least 11 games in a season for only the sixth time in the past 50 years.
Here’s who will be absent from their lineup when they play at the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card playoff game Saturday afternoon.
Background: The injury plague began in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when the Browns’ starting right tackle suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, ruining his season. The two-time Pro Bowler also had a season-ending injury to his right knee in 2021.
Background: During Monday Night Football against the Steelers in Week 2, Chubb was struck down low while attempting to score from inside the 8 at the start of the second quarter. He was taken off the field. He had a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, which required two surgeries. Chubb rushed for 170 yards on 28 carries in fewer than two games.
Background: Watson was dealing with a variety of injuries that hampered his play during his second season with the Browns. His most serious injury was a fracture of the right glenoid in his throwing shoulder. Days after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns confirmed Watson’s season-ending surgery. He passed for 1,115 yards in six games, with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
Background: Hurst was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending pectoral injury versus Jacksonville. He played 13 games this season, earning 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
Delpit injured his groin during the win over the Jaguars. Delpit was placed on IR, but he returned to practice this week and is questionable for the game in Houston. Just before his accident, Delpit signed a three-year contract extension worth $36 million, including a $23 million guarantee. He led the Browns with 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two takeaways at the time of his injury.
Background: Following Conklin’s loss, the Browns’ 2023 fourth-round selection pick took his position. Jones held his own in his Week 2 debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, allowing no sacks against TJ Watt. As the 6-foot-8 youngster settled in, the injury bug bit him during practice on December 9, causing a season-ending knee injury. Jones started nine of the eleven games he played in.
