How Browns are dealing with injuries ahead of Ravens game

BEREA ― The storyline of the week for the Browns as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens in a critical AFC North home game has been injuries.

There's the rather lengthy list of injuries which the Browns are dealing with, including nine starters who either didn't practice or were limited Oct. 15. Then there's the rather significant injury question hanging over the Ravens most important player, as quarterback Lamar Jackson was not seen on the practice field again by Baltimore reporters.

The two questions bring out two different answers from the Browns. The gist of both, though, centers around the idea of contolling what they can control.

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"That's the tale of football," Browns defensive end Jared Verse said Oct. 15. "No matter what happens, you always got to be ready for the next person up. Whether you're in third string, whether you're on scout, whether you're just at home waiting to get a call from somebody to come in and play, you got to have your mindset ready."

The side of the football where the injuries ― and the Ravens' quarterback situation ― are having the biggest impact are on the defensive side of the ball. The only offensive starter who didn't practice was running back Quinshon Judkins, who missed his second day of practice due to an ankle injury, while right tackle Tytus Howard (knee), tight end Carsen Ryan (calf) and running back Dylan Sampson returned.

Another piece of good news for the offense: Wide receiver KC Concepcion (concussion) practiced for the second day in the row. His status remains up in the air, although special teams coordinator Byron Storer spoke specifically to his potential to handle punt return dutitres.

"Yeah, we just see how the week goes and see how he's feeling and then make the necessary decisions according to how he's feeling and if he's available," Storer said. "But as of right now, we're preparing as if we don't have him."

The Browns had five key defensive players sidelined for the second practice in a row, including arguably two of their three best players: Defensive tackle Mason Graham (knee, ankle) and linebacker Carson Schwesinger (ankle). Graham is one of three defensive tackles who didn't practice, along with Mike Hall Jr. (ankle) and Kalia Davis (quad), who is a week into his 21-day return to practice from injured reserve, while the fifth was defensive end Derek Barnett (ankle).

Cleveland did play the New York Jets in Week 5 without Graham and Hall, with Maliek Collins and Adin Huntington, plus practice-squad call-ups Sam Kamara and Chris Williams, stepping in. The absence of Barnett would put additional pressure on Verse, Isaiah McGuire and Sam Williams at end, while Easton Mascarenas-Arnold would be first up if Schwesinger can't go.

"We have the greatest group of guys who are full of spirit," Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said. "I mean, you see the way we practice today and yesterday. There's tons of spirit. Our competitive nature is awesome. And we have a bunch of guys who play to our style. They play for each other. They play hard as hell. We're constantly trying to find different ways to create edges, and that's the mind part. And then in the end, it's our fist. And you see that every day from our group of guys, no matter who's out there. And that's the coolest part about being out there with them and being a part of it."

That defense, whoever is available to play, is looking more and more likely that they'll be facing a backup quarterback when the Ravens come to town. Jackson was absent for the second practice of the week for the Ravens, not a great sign for his availability since he last played in the first half of their Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4.

Tyler "Snoop" Huntley would get his second start of the season if Jackson can't ultimately go. He was 24-of-32 for 201 yards and two touchdowns plus a 111.6 passer rating in the Ravens' overtime win at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.

"Yes, there are challenges every week, whether it's a new quarterback or you have different wideouts, different tight ends," Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle told Baltimore reporters Oct 15. "You lose guys throughout the year. I've said it to the group, but it's all about just fixing this week's problems. So, you figure out what the problems are this week, how do we minimize those things, how do we take advantage of giving our guys that are up and that are playing, the best chance to go win the game and to be able to execute at a high level?"

In Jackson, the Ravens have one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player remains the NFL's leader in passer rating (119.6) and average yards per pass attempt (10.1) despite only playing in three-and-a-half games.

Jackson has thrown for 967 yards, six touchdowns and one interception while completing 70.8% of his passes He's averaging 7.6 yards on 19 rushing attempts with a touchdown, and is the NFL's all-time career and single-season rushing leader among quarterbacks.

Whoever is at quarterback could be monitoring some questions at wide receiver. Zay Flowers was added to the injury list as limited on Oct. 15 with a toe issue, while Rashod Bateman did not practice a day after being limited due to shoulder and knee issues.

"I mean, we're playing the Ravens," Rutenberg said. "Lamar, Snoop, both elite quarterbacks. I mean, Lamar's all… everything he's done speaks for itself. And you see every time Snoop's in there, they win a lot of games. He's highly productive. And then it's the quarterback. It's the great running backs of Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. The tight ends, Mark Andrews has been doing it a long time. They've brought new guys in. They're doing it at a high level. They got really good receivers, the O-line. We've got to prepare for the Ravens."

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at

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