The Cleveland Browns lost 17-33 to the Dallas Cowboys in their home opener. The defense didn’t live up to the expectations from last season, giving up 210 of the Cowboys’ 265 total yards from the first half. They also allowed four scoring drives, two field goals, and two touchdowns and were down 3-20 at the half.
The Browns play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing 17-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins after blowing a 17-7 lead at halftime. The Browns are three-point underdogs, and the over/under is 41.5.
The Browns’ secondary will be without a starter in the secondary.
The Cleveland Browns’ safety suffered an injury
Juan Thornhill started their season opener at free safety and played 60 (95%) defensive snaps. He recorded nine tackles, one TFL, and allowed two receptions on three targets for 20 yards, one touchdown in a coverage bust, and a 125.0 passer rating in coverage. His calf started bothering him later in the game. As the AP points out, Kevin Stefanski didn’t mention his injury on Monday.
The Cleveland Browns placed their starting safety on IR
The Browns made a plethora of roster moves on Wednesday. They promoted four players from the practice squad, signed three to the practice squad, and placed four on injured reserve, including Juan Thornhill. He will miss at least the next four weeks. There is hope that he can return to the football field in 2024.
We’ve placed four players on injured reserve, signed four players to the active roster and signed three players to the practice squad
📰 » https://t.co/XleiQlNknE pic.twitter.com/6ti0vvBBuv
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 11, 2024
Who will replace Juan Thornhill?
Kevin Stefanski stated that Rodney McLeod Jr. and Ronnie Hickman would play in his absence, per Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com. McLeod is in his thirteenth year with 143 starts in 167 career games. Hickman is in his second year with four starts in 11 career games. McLeod is the backup strong safety, and Hickman is the backup free safety in their second unofficial depth chart.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski: Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman will both play in place of injured free safety Juan Thornhill.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 11, 2024
