In Week 3, the Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their matchup against the New York Giants with a mix of optimism and concern regarding their injury report. The potential return of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jack Conklin is particularly encouraging, as he has been listed as questionable for the second consecutive week.
Jedrick Wills Jr. is also questionable, marking the first time he has appeared on the injury report this season. With Conklin having practiced all three days leading up to the game, fans are hopeful that he will finally make his season debut. Conklin’s absence has been felt since Week 1 of last season due to a significant knee surgery, and his return could provide a substantial boost to the Browns’ offensive line.
However, the injury report is not entirely favorable. Tight end David Njoku and running back Pierre Strong Jr. will both be unavailable for the game. Njoku, who is dealing with a sprained ankle, will miss his second consecutive game, placing more pressure on backup Jordan Akins to step up in the passing game. Meanwhile, Strong’s absence leaves the Browns without a healthy No. 3 running back on the active roster, prompting the team to consider promoting Royce Freeman from the practice squad for added depth.
On the defensive side, Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, faced some challenges this week. After sitting out of practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to an ongoing injury sustained in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, Garrett returned to practice on Friday. Despite the injury, he managed to contribute a sack in the previous week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting his resilience and impact on the field.
As the Browns prepare for the Giants, the team is navigating a complicated injury landscape, balancing the return of key players with the loss of others. The outcome of this matchup could hinge on the effectiveness of the returning Conklin and how well the rest of the team adapts to the absences of Njoku and Strong. With critical roles up for grabs, the stage is set for some key players to shine in this pivotal game.
