The Cleveland Browns decided to hold practice Wednesday as they prepare for a tough stretch that includes two games in five days, but there was some hopeful injury news ahead of their matchup with the Houston Texans.
If both guard Anthony Walker Jr. and center Etan Pocic can practice.
Left tackle Joel Bitonio, safety Juan Thornhill, receiver Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk were the only players to miss practice.
None of these four names are surprising. On Sunday, Bitonio was forced to leave the game with a strained back.
Bitonio said things are getting better, but he has to deal with the injury this week.
If the Browns have Bitonio, Pocic and Teller, the offensive line is as good as it’s ever been.
Their pass defense could help them improve and run the ball more after an uphill battle against the Chicago Bears.
Thornhill’s calves are making him sick.
There’s no word on when he’ll be available, but the team hasn’t placed him on injured reserve, so he’ll have to feel like he’ll be back before four games.
Ronnie Hickman has played well in Thornhill’s absence the last two games, but the Browns, who are waiting for Grant Delpit to recover from a groin injury, will want to take advantage of every opportunity..
The team has not ruled out Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who is coming back from a pectoral injury this season.
It’s still hard to believe he’ll be back this year, but he’s not giving up.
Quarterback Joe Flacco was added to the injury report with an ankle injury, and cornerback Denzel Ward was a regular participant.
The Houston Texans have quarterback C.J. Stroud will not play in this game.
It was reported on Tuesday that he is still experiencing symptoms, meaning he still needs to take steps to return to action.
On Wednesday, Ryans focus was entirely on Stroud’s health.
If Stroud can’t play, the Texans will continue to use Case Keenum at quarterback.
Many Texas players were unable to practice Wednesday.
Their top receiver, Nico Collins, has been limited with a calf injury.
Noah Brown was almost certainly limited, as were John Metchie and Robert Woods.
Their batsman Will Anderson is suffering from a leg strain.
They held on to several offensive linemen, including franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right guard Shaq Mason.
Joe ‘Air’ Flacco of the Cleveland Browns is setting record numbers.
2 starting pitchers return, 3 absentThe veteran Cleveland Browns quarterback does something we’ve never seen before in Browns history when he blocks.
Fred GrethamBEREA, Ohio — It may not be what you’d call an air raid offense, but ever since Joe Flacco burst onto the scene as a member of the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on Nov. 20, it’s been hard to believe that he’s will achieve goals. With Browns.
Through the first three games, Flacco has thrown the ball 133 times for 939 yards and completed 77 passes (57.9%).
Flacco has averaged over 44 passes per game since taking over at quarterback against the Rams. As a starting pitcher, he is 2-1 with 7 strikeouts and 5 steals.
He has seven sacks and an 81.6 rating.Flacco put up numbers we haven’t seen in a Browns uniform in years.
The 939 yards passing through the first three games are the most by any Browns quarterback, surpassing the 875 yards previously set by Baker Mayfield in 2018.
Before that, Jeff Garcia had 822 yards through the first three games with the Browns in 2004.
Additionally, Flacco’s three touchdown passes last Sunday gave him seven in his first three games, tying him with Vinny Testaverde for three in franchise history.
Testaverde had seven hits in the first three games of 1994. Flacco had a poor first three quarters against the Bears last Sunday, going just 17 of 31 for 162 yards and three interceptions.
But he came alive in the fourth quarter, completing 11 of 13 for 212 yards and a 144.4 rating.
In four fourth-quarter possessions, Flacco led the Browns to three field goals, two field goals and an interception.
His final play resulted in a 34-yard field goal to Dustin Hopkins with 32 seconds left in the game.
According to ESPN Stats Info, Flacco’s 212 passing yards in the fourth quarter were the most by a Browns quarterback in 45 seasons.Flacco (6-6, 245)
