Dawgs By Nature
David Njoku, Denzel Ward, Joel Bitonio among Browns not practicing ahead of Chargers matchup
As the Cleveland Browns get prepared to take on the Los Angeles Chargers, injuries linger as a concern for both teams. The initial injury report was loaded on both sides with quite a few DNPs and limited participants.
For the Browns, Week 9 could decide what the team does at the NFL trade deadline (based on recent history) as they are just two games behind the Chargers for the final AFC playoff spot.
Wednesday, Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski ruled LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out for this week but did not provide more information. CB Denzel Ward is in concussion protocol which historically has led to at least one game being missed.
At the start of Thursday’s practice, five starters, including JOK, were not present on the field for the Browns:
Bitonio spoke to the media on Thursday and is likely to play but the veteran’s foot issue is concerning. Hicks missed last week’s game and could be trending in that direction as well.
Njoku’s absence is something to watch. DE Za’Darius Smith was a mystery absence on Wednesday but later was noted that he was ill. It is possible that Njoku is dealing with something similar but we will wait for more information in the second injury report.
