Browns receiver Derrick Willies fractures collarbone, out for Week 6

The Cleveland Browns took another hit on Friday at the wide receiver position.

UPDATE: Rookie receiver Derrick Willies fractured his collarbone during Friday’s practice and will not be active this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. He’ll be evaluated on Monday for possible injured reserve designation, according to cleveland.com’s Dan Labbe.

Willies was last seen ripping off a 39-yard catch-and-run to help set up the game-winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens before suffering the injury during Friday’s practice.

It was too early for head coach Hue Jackson to know if Willies can go on Sunday against the Chargers, but it seems like there is a good chance that he will join wide receiver Rashard Higgins, who suffered a sprain MCL in the fourth quarter of the Baltimore game, on the sidelines.

If Willies can’t go, it will once again be the “next man up” with veteran Rod Streater and/or rookie Damion Ratley possibly seeing some additional playing time.

The Browns would be well served to utilize running back Duke Johnson more in the passing game - a option that should be top of mind for the coaching staff regardless of the availability of Willies. They also welcomed back Seth DeValve last week and the veteran tight end had a nice 26-yard catch in the second quarter before disappearing for the rest of the game.

Willies coming down with an injury is disappointing, especially after seeing him make a nice play in a big spot last week, but the Browns should be able to withstand the loss of a player with just three receptions on the year.