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Monday evening, the Cleveland Browns indicated that running back Isaiah Crowell and defensive end Nate Orchard are unlikely to play in the team’s second preseason game against the New York Giants. Both players are nursing a sore groin.
#Browns says groin injuries RB Isaiah Crowell and DE Nate Orchard are dealing with are not expected to be serious, just precautionary.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) August 21, 2017
Duke Johnson will get the start at running back for the Browns. However, don’t be surprised if we actually see Matthew Dayes behind Brock Osweiler, as Cleveland might want to let Johnson continue his slot receiving role. Crowell doens’t have much to gain by playing, so this absence doesn’t hurt him, especially when he would’ve been playing behind an offensive line missing two starters.
Orchard’s absence has to be more concerning from his perspective. He’s a bubble player who had a solid first preseason game, and was hoping to get some first-team reps in the second preseason game.
In other news, Jamie Meder will start in place of Danny Shelton.