:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61402683/usa_today_11009370.0.jpg)
The Cleveland Browns will be without starting defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah on Sunday when they face the New Orleans Saints.
Ogbah will miss the game with an ankle sprain he suffered late in the first quarter of the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Ogbah came back in that game, he was limited to just 27 games and was spotted at team headquarters on Monday in a walking boot.
As if that was not enough, starting linebacker Christian Kirksey is questionable as he works his way through shoulder and ankle injuries:
Emmanuel Ogbah has been ruled out and Christian Kirksey is questionable for #CLEvsNO
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 14, 2018
Kirksey has not missed a game in his NFL career, so it would be surprising if he is not on the field come kickoff on Sunday.
The Browns will turn to defensive end Chris Smith, signed in the offseason as a free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals, and Anthony Zettel, claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions prior to the season opener, in Ogbah’s absence. It should also open up additional pass rushing opportunities for rookie linebacker Genard Avery.
Fortunately for the Browns and Ogbah, the third-year defensive end avoided a high-ankle sprain, which would have landed him on the sidelines for multiple weeks. However, with the Browns following up the game against the Saints with a home game against the New York Jets on September 20 - just four days later - it is a distinct possibility that Ogbah will not return to the field until the September 30 game against the Oakland Raiders.
It’s disappointing to think of Ogbah missing a pair of games, but if it helps him be healthy for the rest of the season that would help ease the pain.