Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns will begin their second playoff appearance of the last 20 years by facing the Houston Texans on Saturday. Some key players are trending in the right direction toward playing.
Of the 10 players who missed Tuesday’s practice, seven returned Wednesday as limited participants.
That includes star defender Myles Garrett. The star pass rusher is dealing with shoulder and hamstring issues, but Tuesday’s absence was listed as a personal day.
All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio returned from a rest day, while also listed for oblique and knee injuries on the injury report. Running back Kareem Hunt practiced after sitting out Tuesday because of a groin issue.
#Browns #Texans injury report for Wednesday. Myles Garrett returned from his excused absence but was limited with shoulder and hamstring issues: pic.twitter.com/BoGgoKIi3T
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 10, 2024
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Cornerback Greg Newsome II (knee), safety Juan Thornhill (calf), and running back Pierre Strong (back) also returned from injuries to practice Wednesday. Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku, who shattered personal benchmarks in catches (81) and receiving yards (882) this season, practiced after a non-injury-related rest day.
Cleveland’s secondary could also receive another boost from Grant Delpit. The Browns designated the safety to return from the injured reserve, and the 25-year-old practiced for the first time since suffering a groin injury earlier last month.
The Browns listed quarterback Joe Flacco on the injury report with a calf issue, but he was a full practice participant on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Most of Cleveland’s banged-up stars received extra rest when sitting out an inconsequential Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns were already locked into the AFC’s No. 5 seed.
While many players were on the field Wednesday, Amari Cooper remained sidelined. The star wide receiver missed the last two games with a heel injury.
Per ESPN’s Jake Trotter, Cooper said he expects to play at Houston and could have competed last Sunday if needed.
The opening-round matchup between the Browns and Texans starts Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.