Browns Missing 7 Players In First Practice Of Wild Card Week
The Cleveland Browns were without seven players in the first practice of their Wild Card Round week against the Houston Texans.
WR Amari Cooper (rest/heel), K Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), RB Kareem Hunt (groin), CB Greg Newsome II (knee) RB Pierre Strong (back), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) and S Juan Thornhill (calf) were all sidelined on the first of three practice days for the Browns, who will play the Texans on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at NRG Stadium.
Of the players sitting out, the only one who Stefanski said was “unlikely” to play was Hopkins, who has been sidelined since suffering his injury on a kickoff in the Browns’ win over the Texans on Christmas Eve.
Tillman remains in concussion protocol after suffering his injury Sunday against the Bengals in the regular season finale. It’s too soon to tell if he’ll play, but Stefanski didn’t mention anything about Cooper when he was asked about the rest of the receiver room.
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) runs with the ball after a catch as Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) defends during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper has been sidelined since the Week 17 win against the Jets, a game which was played only four days after Week 16, with his injury. He was rested with several other Browns starters Sunday against the Bengals.
“Feel good (about the receiver room),” Stefanski said. “Obviously, Ced is still in concussion protocol, but all the other guys are doing well.”
Thornhill was also among the players who were rested against the Bengals after playing in Week 17. Hunt has dealt with a groin injury for the last several weeks but has continued to play.
The Browns will have two more practice days this week before they head to Houston.
