Just like that, we’re set to watch the final Thursday Night Football game of the whole season. The ’23 season has gone by faster than ever, but we still have some games to play. This edition of the Thursday night injury report will be particularly important for those in fantasy football championships, so pay attention! Good luck to all of those still competing. As for game specifics, don’t be surprised if it ends up being closer than expected. These stingy defenses will create problems for each offense.
Jets @ Browns Injury Report
New York Jets
Zach Wilson: A concussion will keep Zach Wilson out on this short week and possibly the rest of the season. He’s been shaky this year, to say the least. He’s been slightly better than 3rd stringer Trevor Siemien, who will get the start tonight. He was able to pull off a win last week although he can’t seem to complete a pass longer than 15 yards. Against a dominant Browns’ defense, expect the offense to be mainly run-based with lots of short-play action passes to Breece Hall and Tyler Conklin.
Cleveland Browns
Anthony Walker Jr.: Cleveland will be missing their starting middle linebacker while he recovers from a knee injury. Although it doesn’t show statistically, Walker Jr. has been one of the best Browns’ linebackers in terms of both tackling and coverage. Backup Tony Fields II will start in his place. He’s been inconsistent in every major defensive category while getting good snaps for a backup. Expect Cleveland to struggle more at tackling on the 2nd level of the defense.
Dustin Hopkins: Not only will Cleveland be without their punter, but also their kicker. A left hamstring injury has officially ruled Hopkins out for this Thursday. Riley Patterson, former Lions and Jaguars kicker was signed on to the practice squad and is expected to be activated. Patterson has gone 15/17 on the field goals and 35/37 on extra points. With the weather and wind set to be mild tonight, Patterson should do just fine. However, Hopkins is one of the best clutch-time kickers in the league while Patterson is a bit less experienced.
Corey Bojorquez: While not officially ruled out, Bojorquez is listed as doubtful due to a left quad injury and did not practice this week. He’s been one of the best punters in the league with a grade of 78.3, which ranks sixth among the entire league. Assuming he doesn’t go tonight, the Browns have signed former Colts’ punter Matt Haack. Expect Haack to be slightly less accurate in his punts with less power than Bojorquez.