Denzel Boston injury could prop door open in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year race

A "little toe issue" might be the only thing keeping Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston from collecting a big award at the end of the season.

Through nine games, Boston, a 2026 NFL Draft second-round pick (No. 39 overall), has been among the best players in his class, making him among the leading candidates for Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Per DraftKings betting data as of Thursday, Nov. 12, Boston has the second-best odds (+600) to receive the recognition, trailing Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (+300), who became QB1 earlier this week after Las Vegas traded former starter Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings and plays the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. According to Stathead research, he's set to become the first quarterback in NFL history to be selected No. 1 overall and make his first start against the defending league champions.

People may be getting ahead of themselves rushing to back Mendoza for the hardware, particularly with Boston off to an exceptional start to his pro career. But after missing a second consecutive day of practice with what head coach Todd Monken previously had described as "a little toe issue," the door might open for Mendoza or another rookie to give the standout receiver an earnest challenge.

Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston misses second consecutive day of practice, raising concern for Week 10 status

Entering Week 10, Boston leads all rookies in receiving yards (507) and receiving touchdowns (three). In last Sunday's 23-22 loss at the New Orleans Saints, he had six receptions for 98 yards, making him only the third rookie in Browns franchise history with three or more games recording at least 85 receiving yards, per NFL Research.

On Wednesday, he missed practice with a toe injury, and Monken told reporters that he expected Boston back on Thursday. With that plan not coming to fruition, it puts the rookie's status in doubt for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans (3-5), winners of three of their last four.