The Cleveland Browns have a lot of questions that will need to be answered before kickoff of Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thankfully, some have already been answered.
Baker Mayfield will start at quarterback after missing only a week due to his torn labrum and fracture in his shoulder area.
The final injury report for the week also provided some other clarity. Nick Chubb, Jack Conklin, Jarvis Landry, Malcolm Smith, JC Tretter, Jedrick Wills and Mack Wilson will not carry an injury designation going into the game despite being limited or not participating in at least one practice this week.
The Browns ruled three players out for Sunday including two starters:
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CB Denzel Ward – Hamstring
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WR Donovan Peoples-Jones – Groin
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S Richard LeCounte III – Discipline related
The team also has six players listed as questionable for Sunday:
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WR Odell Beckham Jr. – Shoulder
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DE Jadeveon Clowney – Ankle, groin, knee
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CB AJ Green – Groin
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DT Malik Jackson – Ankle
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DE Tack McKinley – Groin
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FB Johnny Stanton – Calf
Both McKinley and Stanton were added to the injury list since Wednesday creating concern that their new injuries will keep them out for Sunday. With Ward already ruled out, Green’s presence could be important against the Steelers multiple receiver sets.
The biggest area of concern is at defensive end and wide receiver. Clowney and McKinley take a vast majority of the snaps off the edge, along with Myles Garrett, while both Peoples-Jones and Beckham are important parts of the passing attack. Clowney and Beckham were able to play in Week 7 despite similar designations.
The Steelers list TE Eric Ebron as out after injuring his hamstring this week and edge rusher Melvin Ingram III as doubtful due to a groin issue. WR Chase Claypool and QB Ben Roethlisberger were full participants in practice and do not have injury designations after being limited earlier in the week.