At least, that is how it feels. Throughout the 2023 season, injuries have decimated the Browns coaching staff. And yet, with two games remaining, Cleveland is firmly established in a postseason spot. Since the 41-year-old’s arrival in 2020, Stefanski’s time under the 216 sun (smog?) hasn’t exactly gone as planned. After three seasons under Stefanski, the Browns have yet to make it to the postseason in two of those years. Before signing Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed deal, they publicly courted him despite multiple claims of sexual misbehavior, which infuriated many onlookers.
But the Browns are doing well on the field. And they’re doing it in rather challenging conditions. Much of the 2023 season has seen Cleveland without some of its greatest players.
Still, Stefanski and company continue to triumph. Furthermore, it’s difficult to overlook how much Stefanski is getting out of the way after wins over the 49ers and Ravens this season.Despite the absence of several of their finest players, the Browns are close to making the playoffs. Even after Watson, Nick Chubb, or Grant Delpit suffered (normal) season-ending injuries, they didn’t lose a beat. So, as we approach the end of the season, here’s what you need to know about Cleveland’s injured reserve list. With Watson (shoulder), Chubb (knee), Delpit (groin), and Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral) all expected to miss the game due to long-term injuries, the Browns are far from full strength going into their Thursday night game against the Jets. Chubb was the first to go down, tearing his MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule after getting caught in a crunching tackle back in Week 2. Watson was then ruled out after breaking a bone in his shoulder during Cleveland’s historic Week 10 comeback against Baltimore. Okoronkwo and Delpit are both listed as being in the infirmary due to ailments that occurred earlier in December.But they’re not the only ones. Famous actor Dustin Hopkins has also withdrawn from the celebration due to a groin injury. Punter Corey Bojorquez, who was listed as doubtful due to a quad injury, could accompany him on the sidelines. By this time of year, everybody has something to cope with. As seen by their official injury report, which lists 21 players with various ailments, the Browns are not an exception. Among them are starters Amari Cooper (heel), Myles Garrett (shoulder), Kareem Hunt (groin), David Njoku (knee), and Joe Flacco (calf).
Four of the five players mentioned above, along with the vast majority of players on Cleveland’s injury report, participated in practice on Tuesday in some capacity. Cooper is the exception; he was deemed questionable for Thursday night’s game after missing the first two days of practice.
However, if past performance is any guide, the Browns will still win even without him.Even though Travis Kelce is 34 years old and a veteran of the NFL, his older brother Jason Kelce is still there to teach Travis some important life lessons.
Among the wise counsels Jason imparted following Super Bowl 58? Instead than venting his annoyance with the Chiefs’ offensive misplay in the first half on head coach Andy Reid, Travis probably ought to have found a more constructive manner to express his feelings.On their “New Heights” podcast, Jason talked about his younger brother’s blow-up and bump of Reid, which is still one of the most memorable pictures from Super Bowl 58 and quickly became a meme.
The older Kelce brother stated, “I think there’s better ways to handle this, retrospectively,” but he also remarked, “You crossed the line.”
BENDER: In terms of all-time quarterbacks, where does Patrick Mahomes stand?
After witnessing the younger Kelce almost knock Reid off his feet with a chest bump, many NFL fans agreedNevertheless, following the game, the tight end and the coach played down the event.
“He keeps me young,” Reid remarked of Kelce in response to a question concerning the growth. “Tried out that hip. I was caught off guard by him. Normally, I would have given him a little leeway, but I was without support.”
Kelce, meanwhile, had nothing but praise for Reid and acknowledged that his mentor had helped him control his emotions throughout his career.
“He’s been a huge help to me with that. With directing that feeling and directing that ardor,” Kelce remarked. “That guy, and being able to manage my emotions, is what I owe my entire career.” I adore him so much.”Travis nevertheless expressed regret for the “cheap shot” on his show.
Kelce said, “Big Red, I’m sorry if I caught you with that cheap shot, baby.”
That ought to ease any residual tensions between the two, though Kansas City’s second straight Super Bowl victory probably already did.
Jason sympathized with his brother even though he had chastised him earlier in the episode for having a tantrum. He explained exactly how Travis was feeling at the time and said he could relate to his brother’s perspective.
Jason remarked, “It was begging with your head coach to let you go out there and win this s—.” “Me and you both know what that is.”.
