Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns will head over to London midweek for their matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, who remain overseas after playing in Dublin in Week 4. The constraints of the schedule for Week 5, as well as the Vikings creative defense, are two reasons QB Joe Flacco could remain the starter.
Not everyone agrees with keeping the veteran ahead of the rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. On Monday, HC Kevin Stefanski was non-committal about his plans at the QB position.
After adding an offensive tackle via trade on Monday, to fill the spot vacated by OT Dawand Jones’ season-ending injury, the Browns roster has more holes to fill due to injuries. WRs Cedric Tillman and DeAndre Carter will be out multiple weeks, leaving holes on offense and special teams:
WR Isaiah Bond, who has received more and more playing time this season, could be the beneficiary on both units or Cleveland could look to RB Jerome Ford and practice squad WRs Gage Larvadain, Luke Floriea or Malachi Corley for help replacing Carter in the return game.
Tillman’s size and physicality on the outside is tough to replace. WR Kaden Davis is listed at 6’1” on the practice squad, with Jerry Jeudy the only receiver on the active roster to match Davis’ height, but neither crosses 200 pounds, while Tillman is listed at 215.
Monday afternoon, Cleveland confirmed the trade for Cam Robinson and placed Carter on injured reserve:
With the Browns practicing on Wednesday before flying out to London, getting Carter moved to IR quickly will provide the team an opportunity to fill his roster spot, likely from the practice squad, and bring in a new player for Week 5’s game overseas.
Not placing Tillman on injured reserve could be good news that the wide receiver will not be out for four weeks or the team is still awaiting results of testing on his hamstring.
We will keep you up to date on all the roster moves and all the live happenings from London for Week 5.
