Patriots and Browns both missing key players at Wednesday’s practice
As the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns prepare to play each other on Sunday, both teams are dealing with mounting injuries.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots recovers a fumble during the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty ImagesAs the Patriots and Browns prepare to play each other on Sunday, both teams are dealing with mounting injuries. The Patriots have 14 players listed on Wednesday's injury report - including five who did not participate in practice. In Cleveland, the Browns were without four players and have 10 total listed.
Running backs Damien Harris (concussion), Rhamondre Stevenson (concussion), wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (concussion), and linebackers Jamie Collins (ankle) and Matthew Judon (not injury related) all missed practice on Wednesday. Harris, Stevenson, and Olszewski all left Sunday's win over Carolina with head injuries. Judon's absence was likely due to the birth of his third child, which he posted about on Instagram Wednesday morning.
The nine players who were limited for the Patriots are wide receiver N'Keal Harry (knee), tight end Jonnu Smith (shoulder), guard Shaq Mason (abdomen), linebackers Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy (groin) and Ja'Whaun Bentley (ribs), defensive back Jalen Mills (thigh) ,kicker Nick Folk (left knee) and punter Jake Bailey (right knee).
New England did get one player back at practice - Trent Brown was spotted for the first time since being placed on IR on Oct. 9. The team now has three weeks to officially activate him to the 53-man roster.
Meanwhile in Cleveland, the Browns had a star player from each side of the ball miss practice on Wednesday in wide reciever Jarvis Landry (knee) and defensive end Myles Garrett (foot). Defensive linemen Malik Jackson (ankle) and Takkarist McKinley (groin) were also absent.
The Browns also had five starters limited in quarterback Baker Mayfield (left shoulder/foot), tight end Harrison Bryant (thigh), center JC Tretter (knee), defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (ankle/knee), and cornerback Greedy Williams (shoulder).
Also on Wednesday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters running back Kareem Hunt (calf) won't be activated from IR for Sunday's game. The Browns already could be without backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton, who entered the NFL's COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
