The Browns have misplaced a number of gamers this 12 months to season-ending accidents, and their unhealthy luck continued Wednesday when the workforce introduced two extra gamers will probably be becoming a member of these on the rising record of accidents.
Cleveland introduced that security Grant Delpit (groin), who simply signed a three-year, $36M extension a number of days in the past, and DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (pectoral) are heading to injured reserve.
Delpit and Okoronkwo will be part of QB Deshaun Watson, RB Nick Chubb, left sort out Jedrick Wills and proper sort out Dawand Jones, amongst others, on IR.
There’s worry that Okoronkwo’s season is over, however there may be nonetheless hope that Delpit can return for the playoffs as he’s out for at the least 4 video games.
If Delpit, the Browns’ 2020 second-round decide, can return for a postseason run, it will be a giant increase to the protection. The four-year security has been a key piece with 251 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one pressured fumble, six interceptions and 16 passes defensed from 2021-23.
Within the meantime, nonetheless, security D’Anthony Bell is anticipated to fill in for Delpit. Bell, an undrafted rookie in 2022 has simply six tackles on the season, which does not give followers loads of confidence on the again finish.
Delpit’s and Okoronkwo’s accidents are definitely coming on the worst time as Cleveland is combating for a playoff spot with simply 4 video games remaining. The workforce is at the moment the No. 5 seed, however a few losses may make it fall out by season’s finish.
Nonetheless, the protection, which is permitting the least complete yards per sport (263) and passing yards per sport (159.7), ought to nonetheless play at a excessive stage with Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate Myles Garrett and others nonetheless main the way in which.
The Browns’ first take a look at with out Delpit and Okoronkwo will probably be an fascinating one come Sunday after they host the Bears (5-8), who’re on their first win streak of the season with dual-threat QB Justin Fields enjoying for his future in Chicago.