It’s been a rough week for the Cleveland Browns, who are dealing with multiple injuries heading into the team’s Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos. Although the Browns will be missing several offensive weapons, they did get some good news on the injury front: Jarvis Landry is likely going to be making his return Thursday night.
The team announced early Thursday that Landry has been activated off injured reserve and, according to NFL.com, the Browns made the move because they’re planning for Landry to play against the Broncos. The receiver hasn’t played since spraining his MCL during a Week 2 win over the Texans back on Sept. 19.
The return of Landry couldn’t come at a better time for the Browns, and that’s because their offense is going to need all the help it can get against the Broncos. Multiple key players have already been ruled out of the game, including Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Nick Chubb (calf) and Kareem Hunt (calf). According to NFL.com, the Browns also have two other key players — Odell Beckham and right tackle Jack Conklin — who likely won’t be suiting up against Denver. Beckham and Conklin are both listed as questionable for the game.
With Case Keenum making his first start since 2019, Landry could end up playing a crucial role for the short-handed Browns offense. In just two games this year, Landry has caught six passes for 80 yards while also contributing two carries for 13 yards and a touchdown.
It’s probably a good thing that Landry is going to be catching passes from Keenum because they might end up playing with each other again at some point this season. According to NFL.com, Mayfield’s injury — a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder — is bad enough that he’s likely going to require surgery at the end of the season. If the shoulder gets worse before the end of the year, there’s a chance Keenum could end up starting more than one game.
With Keenum being bumped up to the starting QB spot, the Browns backup quarterback against Denver will be Nick Mullens, who was elevated from the practice squad Thursday morning. The Browns also elevated cornerback Herb Miller from the practice squad for the game.
Can the Browns repeat their epic 11-win season? How will Baker Mayfield fare in year No. 4? Download the CBS Sports app to get the latest news out of Cleveland, as well as analysis from our team of football gurus. If you already have the app, make sure to set the Browns as your favorite team for lightning-quick updates.
