The Cleveland Browns are facing some tough decisions as they approach cutdown day for their roster. With just a week left until the deadline, the team will have to make some key choices regarding who will make the initial 53-man roster. While injuries have added some uncertainty to the process, there are also players who will start out on injured reserve as they recover from camp injuries.
One position that has been affected by injuries is the running back room. With D’Ernest Johnson dealing with a hamstring issue, it’s possible he may start the season on injured reserve. This could open the door for John Kelly, who has spent multiple years on the practice squad, to finally make the active roster. Another player to keep an eye on is Jordan Wilkens, who was recently signed and brings NFL experience to the table.
In terms of the wide receiver group, JoJo Natson is likely to secure a spot on the roster due to his punt return abilities. While Anthony Schwartz, the Browns’ 2021 third-round pick, has shown promise, the emergence of Austin Watkins Jr. during the preseason may lead to Schwartz being cut.
The tight end position is also affected by injuries, particularly the absence of Harrison Bryant due to a medical condition. This could create an opportunity for Zaire Mitchell-Paden to make the roster, assuming Bryant is able to return to practice this week.
On the offensive line, it will be challenging for the Browns to keep five tackles as desired by offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. may be the odd man out unless there’s an unfortunate injury to one of the other four.
In terms of the defensive line, the Browns may offset a lower number of tackles with more three-end looks, which they experimented with during practices against the Philadelphia Eagles. Alternatively, they may choose to sign another player to bolster the position.
The linebacker group has become clearer with the unfortunate season-ending injury to Jacob Phillips. Based on preseason performances, it appears that the top five linebackers are already established, with the final spot potentially going to undrafted free agent Elijah Diabate or third-year pro Tony Fields II.
The cornerback trio of Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and Troy Hill has been impressive during the preseason. If Greedy Williams and AJ Green can avoid injury, they should round out the position group nicely.
The safety position seems to be a battle for the fourth spot, with D’Anthony Bell and undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman competing for the spot. Hickman’s performance in the preseason has been notable, but Bell’s experience may give him an edge.
Finally, the kicking situation seems relatively settled with Jamie Gillan as the punter and Chase McLaughlin as the kicker. While Joseph Charlton was theoretically competing for the punting role, his absence from camp may have sealed his fate.
As the Browns approach the cutdown deadline, they will have some difficult decisions to make. The final roster may look slightly different from the initial 53-man roster, but ultimately, it’s the lineup on September 10 when the Browns open the season that truly matters.
