Even though the Cleveland Browns took precautionary measures in Week 18, the injury bug just wouldn’t stay away.
Cleveland rested just about all of their starters in a 31-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with the playoffs already locked up. Still, the Browns left with a couple of injuries.
Rookie WR Cedric Tillman took a tough hit to the back of the head after making a short catch against Cincy. Late in the game, DT Shelby Harris hobbled off the field with a leg injury. Pierre Strong Jr. had to exit with what is being labeled a back injury.
Following the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that Tillman is in the concussion protocol. Unfortunately, that was thought to be the case after he looked dizzy walking off of the field. His teammates immediately waved for trainers and it is not clear whether Tillman lost cons or not. The rookie made three catches for 43 yards in the final regular season game.
Harris is an important contributor in the middle of the defensive line and became even more important when Mo Hurst was lost for the season. Stefanski said in his post-game presser that he expects Harris to be okay with a shin injury.
A plus in the game was DE Ogbo Okoronkwo returning for the first time since Dec. 10 when he suffered a pectoral injury. Okoronkwo played in what appeared to be some kind of brace around the shoulder area. The depth pass rusher said he came out of the game feeling good, according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
In terms of injuries that happened this week, it appears the Browns have Tillman to worry about in terms of availability.
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