In a critical Thursday night matchup against the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns find themselves on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot. However, their star wide receiver, Amari Cooper, will be absent from the game due to a heel injury.
Cooper, who delivered a historic performance against the Texans last Sunday, setting multiple franchise records, was listed as questionable leading up to the game.
With a short week adding to the challenge, the Browns monitored Cooper’s condition on Wednesday and Thursday before ultimately ruling him out for the primetime clash. The heel injury proved too significant for him to take the field.
In addition to Cooper, the Browns faced uncertainties with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin and safety Juan Thornhill, both listed as questionable. Thornhill, recovering from a calf injury, returned to practice during the short week and was ultimately cleared to play, along with Goodwin.
The Browns’ inactive list for Thursday Night Football includes:
– WR Amari Cooper
– LB Anthony Walker Jr.
– K Dustin Hopkins
– P Corey Bojorquez
– DE Ogbo Okoronkwo
– C Luke Wypler
– DE Sam Kamara
Hopkins, dealing with a hamstring injury sustained on Sunday against the Texans, was ruled out earlier in the week. The Browns signed kicker Riley Patterson to the practice squad and elevated him for the game. Bojorquez, listed as doubtful with a quad injury, led to the Browns signing and elevating punter Matthew Haack for Thursday’s game.
Walker had been ruled out due to a knee injury that required a procedure, while Okoronkwo was sidelined with a pectoral injury, with the team monitoring his potential return rather than opting for season-ending surgery.
Meanwhile, on the Jets’ side, quarterback Zach Wilson was ruled out with a concussion, paving the way for Trevor Siemian to start in the pivotal matchup against the Browns.