JUST IN: Browns Lose Quick WR in AFC Championship Game

admin | November 25, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

One of the Cleveland Browns’ fastest pass catchers won’t be available for this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin will miss Sunday’s game at Mile High due to persistent problems following a concussion, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed.

Stefanski stated on Friday, “Yeah, he’s still in that [concussion] protocol, but he’s doing everything in his power.” “You know, with those injuries, you follow the protocol exactly and make sure they’re back out there when they’re ready.”

Marquise Goodwin Fighting Through Mostly Lost Season in 2023

Goodwin, who turned 33 recently, was sidelined by a head injury during Cleveland’s Week 11 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The seasoned wide receiver missed nearly the whole preseason due to blood clots that he developed during the summer.

Goodwin has participated in eight games so far this season, but he has only seen the field for 84 offensive snaps. Pro Football Reference reports that on 11 targets, he has only made 3 catches for 10 yards.

As a backup who could provide the same speed element that struggling pass-catcher Anthony Schwartz brought to the receiver room, Cleveland signed Goodwin to a one-year, $1.7 million contract. After a difficult preseason, Schwartz was released by the Browns and signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins in mid-November.

But Goodwin hasn’t been productive or healthy enough in 2023 to add the offensive improvements to Cleveland that the team had hoped for.

Browns Lose CB Denzel Ward for Game Against Broncos

Denzel Ward, the starting cornerback, will be absent in Denver on Sunday as well.

The two-time Pro Bowler Ward hurt his shoulder last week against the Steelers. Stefanski stated that while the $100 million defensive back heals, the team will likely bench him for the duration of this weekend.

On Friday, Stefanski said, “Next man up.” Guys need to take charge. That’s what this game is called. This week we don’t have Denzel, but we have confidence in the guys we do have.

Then, a reporter inquired further about whether Ward would miss more time than just the game on Sunday.

“We’ll see,” Stefanski responded. “Ruling him out for this game, but we’ll see.”

Because Ward plays a much bigger role as a starter and has played a greater number of meaningful snaps than the wideout, his loss will definitely hurt the Browns’ chances of beating the Broncos more than Goodwin’s. Nevertheless, Cleveland’s offense might have a greater impact on the result on Sunday than its defense.

With a four-game winning streak that includes victories over three potential playoff teams—the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings—Denver is currently 5-5 and may be the hottest team in the NFL.

Although some analysts have not given enough credit to Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson for his performance during the winning streak and throughout the season, the Denver defense’s ability to turn the tide has been the key to the team’s turnaround.

From Weeks 2 through 5, the Broncos allowed 164 points, or an average of 41 points per game, to opposing offenses. Denver’s last four victories have resulted in just 68 points surrendered.