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The Cleveland Browns defense has become a game-altering presence during the first three weeks of the NFL season.
Now the defense will be getting some reinforcements as the Browns head to Oakland looking for just their second road win against the Raiders since 2006.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and linebacker Christian Kirksey, who both missed the past two games with injuries, are back at practice and expected to play on Sunday.
Emmanuel Ogbah and Christian Kirksey both practiced today. Both could be in action for first time since Week 1.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 26, 2018
Even without two of its starters, the defense has forced a league-high 11 turnovers, are 11th in points per game allowed (19.7), tied for fourth in touchdown passes allowed (3), fourth in opposing quarterback rating (72.4), and tied for 10th in average yards per carry allowed (3.7).
Now Ogbah is ready to get in on the fun, according to clevelandbrowns.com:
“Oh yeah, I am back this week. It was definitely tough, but I believe in those guys. Next man up philosophy, that is what this defense is about. They stepped up and made big plays when they needed to.”
The Raiders may be a mess right now under head coach Jon Gruden, but the offense has played well enough to average a tick more than 400 yards a game so having Ogbah and Kirksey back on the field should be a good thing.