The Cleveland Browns host the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field for their season opener on Sunday afternoon. The Browns are favored by 2.5, while the over/under is 42.5 points. One crucial matchup to monitor throughout the game is the Cowboys’ secondary vs. the Browns’ receiving corps.
The Cowboys’ secondary is coming off an impressive season, in which they allowed the 5th-fewest passing yards and had the 9th-most interceptions in 2023. They will be shorthanded, however, since Daron Bland will miss at least the first four games with a stress fracture in his foot. The secondary must rely on their fifth-round pick from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Caelen Carson.
The Browns’ receiving corps had two players carry the workload last season, as Amari Cooper led the team with 1,250 yards (5 TDS), earning his 5th Pro Bowl selection, and David Njoku finished second with 882 yards (6 TDS) and earned his 1st Pro Bowl selection. They improved their receiving corps by acquiring Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos. Due to the injury to Bland, their receivers should have a favorable matchup in this game.
Their former third-round pick has been dealing with an injury for a while.
The Cleveland Browns third-year receiver suffered a quad injury in August
David Bell suffered a quadriceps injury in the second quarter of their 10-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener. Bell missed the majority of training camp but initially made the 53-man roster. He returned to practice this week and was a limited participant in Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions.
David Bell is no longer on their active roster
The Cleveland Browns announced that they waived David Bell on Thursday. Since Bell is still on his rookie contract and has less than four years of accrued experience in the NFL, he must go through the waiver wire and can be claimed by any team. Once he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent and can sign to an active roster or a practice squad.
We’ve waived WR David Bell
📰» https://t.co/4iHBHEUZA6 pic.twitter.com/QIhyP8iL1N
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 5, 2024
A look at their WR depth
This recent transaction leaves the Browns thin at wide receiver, with five players at the position. Their starters include Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore. Their backups include a third-round pick from 2023, Cedric Tillman, and a fifth-round pick from this year’s draft, Jamari Thrash.
The Browns could elevate a receiver from their practice squad for Week 1. Michael Woods II, James Proche II, Lideatrick Griffin, and Jaelon Darden are on their practice squad. Will they settle with five receivers on their active roster, or will they add one?
