In a significant move leading into their match against the New Orleans Saints, the Cleveland Browns have elevated wide receiver Kadarius Toney from the practice squad. This decision marks Toney’s expected season debut after he joined the Browns’ practice squad in September. Having previously earned two Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs, Toney brings a wealth of experience that the Browns will be eager to utilize. His move to Cleveland followed his release from Kansas City during late August roster cuts. Although Toney has battled an undisclosed injury, his increasing practice participation suggests he is finally ready to showcase his skills, possibly taking on return duties for the team.
On a less optimistic note, the Browns have downgraded offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to out for the upcoming game, primarily due to an ongoing knee injury. Wills had expressed earlier this week that a “business decision” led him to opt-out of the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 27—following a hyperextension to the same knee he had previously undergone surgery on in December 2022. Despite being a full participant in practice throughout the week, the unexpected decision to place him as a backup swing tackle has raised eyebrows. Coach Kevin Stefanski intervened, labeling Wills’ comments as a “poor choice of words,” clarifying that the change in status was neither a punishment nor indicative of his future starting opportunities.
In further roster updates, rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained during a practice session on Thursday. Hall’s situation is particularly unfortunate as he had already faced a suspension for the first five games of the season after a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. His placement on injured reserve means he will miss a minimum of four games, significantly impacting the Browns’ defensive depth.
In a bid to shore up their defensive line in Hall’s absence, the Browns have promoted defensive ends Sam Kamara and Elerson G. Smith from the practice squad to the active roster. These moves underline the organization’s adaptability in navigating player injuries and maintaining competitive performance levels. The integration of players like Kamara and Smith adds crucial depth as the Browns prepare for a challenging matchup against the Saints.
As the Browns face off with the Saints, the team’s decision-making around player health and management will be under scrutiny. The combined impact of Toney’s entry into the lineup and Wills’ exit poses a compelling narrative for the game, as fans and analysts alike will watch to see how these changes affect the Browns’ strategy on both offense and defense. The resilience of the Browns will be tested as they strive to maintain their momentum within a fiercely competitive league.