The Cleveland Browns open their season with an AFC North matchup this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals, who travel to Cleveland for Week 1. Cleveland went a perfect 3-0 in the preseason, but now the real test begins. Coming off a 3-14 campaign, the Browns must show clear growth this season.
Myles Garrett returned to practice on Friday after missing Thursday with what was labeled a hip injury. A day earlier, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. practiced for the first time since undergoing offseason knee surgery, an injury originally suffered in the final regular-season game last year. Heading into the opener against the Bengals, the Browns are relatively healthy.
#Browns Myles Garrett (hip) back on the practice field today pic.twitter.com/37VaHS6dvV
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 5, 2025
Heading into the matchup, every player on the Browns’ 53-man roster is practicing and considered healthy. The lone exception is Hall, who has been ruled out of the opener. With only two practices under his belt since returning, it was always a long shot for him to play in Week 1.
#Browns DT Mike Hall Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for the #Bengals game. Myles Garrett does not have an injury status, meaning he'll play barring a setback.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 5, 2025
While Hall isn’t projected to start, he is expected to play a key role as an interior pass rusher on passing downs. In his absence, Shelby Harris and potentially Adin Huntington will be relied upon to provide depth and impact behind Mason Graham and Maliek Collins. Although it’s disappointing that Hall isn’t ready for the opener, he doesn’t appear to be far off. With the Ravens on deck in Week 2, the former Buckeye could be ready to go.
The biggest positive news, however, is that Garrett’s hip injury won’t keep him out. The All-Pro defensive end has consistently performed well against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, and Cleveland’s defense will need its top playmaker to set the tone. With Garrett available, the Browns enter Week 1 with their best player healthy and ready.
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