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The Cleveland Browns walked out of Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens a bit battered, but it appears that they avoided the type of serious injury that would derail their playoff run.
The biggest concern is along the offensive line after left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and right guard Wyatt Teller both missed a handful of snaps during the game after suffering ankle injuries.
Wills’ injury looked to be the move severe when it happened as he limped off the field while favoring his one leg. After a brief spell with the trainers, he was able to return, however, and finish out the game.
The news was even better on Tuesday after cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that Wills will not have to undergo the dreaded next-day MRI on his injured ankle.
#Browns Jedrick Wills Jr.'s ankle 'should be fine' and no MRI needed, source says; Austin Hooper and Denzel Ward could be back for #Giants game https://t.co/qvxKmw2mEg
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 15, 2020
Head coach Kevin Stefanski gave an update on Tuesday about the various injuries the Browns are currently dealing with, and while he did not get into specifics, Stefanski did say “we will see how the week goes” concerning the availability of Wills and Teller, according to clevelandbrowns.com.
That might not be the same as Stefanski declaring full steam ahead, but the fact that Wills and Teller both were able to return to the game is an encouraging sign.
In other injury news:
Safety Andrew Sendejo suffered a concussion late in the game when he tried to tackle Baltimore running back J.K. Dobbins on a two-point conversion. If Sendejo does not make it through the league-mandated concussion protocol in time for Sunday night’s game against the New York Giants, Browns fans might see the debut of safety Tedric Thompson, along with additional playing time from Sheldrick Redwine.
The Browns could be on the brink of the return of cornerback Denzel Ward, who has missed three consecutive games with a calf injury, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, who has missed two consecutive games with a hamstring injury, and tight end Austin Hooper, who missed the game against the Ravens with a neck injury.
Stefanski told the team’s website that Ward and Hodge are both “progressing” with their injury rehab and that the coaching staff is “confident” they can get Ward and Hodge back to practice this week.
As for Hooper, Stefanski is “hopeful” that the veteran tight end will make it back this week.
Despite the loss on Monday night, the Browns still hold the No. 5 seed in the AFC as they head on the road to face the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.