The Cleveland Browns are coming off of one of the better storied wins of the year after their victory against the Houston Texans. The reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week is coming off of a 265 yard receiving performance, along with two touchdowns. While a lot of deserved attention has been given to Joe Flacco, the status of the Cleveland Browns receiver is of equal importance for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets.
Cleveland Browns Injury Update
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has a heel injuy and is officially questionable to play against the Jets. While the exact extent or nature of the injury is not known at this time, he is a game time decision. The Cleveland Browns will wait to see how he progresses throughout the day, and will see how he feels during warmups before giving a final decision on his status.
This would be a huge blow, as Cooper has a team high 1,250 yards receiving on the year, along with five receiving touchdowns. And while the ball has not been able to consistently find him this year, he has proven to be a big time weapon for Joe Flacco to throw to on any given play.
Including his last performance, Cooper only has five games in which he has over 100 receiving yards at this point of the year. However, coming off of his big aforementioned performance, you would like to see the quarterback and wide receiver to be able to continue to work their newfound increased connection.
Cleveland Browns Other Receiving Options
If Amari Cooper is unable to play tonight, the wide receiving corps gets a little thinner for this Cleveland Browns team.
With the next highest target being a tight end, David Njoku would receive the vast amount of increased attention with a Cooper absence. At receiver, third year player, Elijah Moore could be in for something of a revenge game. The former second round pick out of Ole Miss was originally drafted by the New York Jets, and would be looking to help replace any missed production of Cooper is unable to play.
Cleveland Browns Playoff Standings
While the season is done for the New York Jets, the Browns still have everything to play for at this point in the season. While the AFC North title is still up for grabs, it would require help from outside teams, including a win by the Miami Dolphins over the Baltimore Ravens.
More realistically, winning out assures a playoff wild card spot for the Cleveland Browns. Even with two losses to end the year, with how the other AFC teams are playing, getting in would still be a very realistic possibility. However, for this Cleveland Browns team, they are looking to erase any possible doubt, first by taking care of business against the New York Jets, and then against the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only looking for wins, but they’ll also be looking to continue their offensive cohesion.
The short week does not play in favor of Amari Cooper, based on the report, it sounds like if this was a Sunday matchup then Cooper would be available to play. Considering the game is against a limited Jets team, and the lack of rest in between days, it’s possible that the Cleveland Browns will play it safe to ensure that Cooper can get healthier for a playoff run.