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NFL Wildcard Weekend Injury Report – Browns @ Texans

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jack Aaron | Last updated 1/12/24

The NFL’s long-awaited Wildcard Weekend is finally here and so is the injury report. It’s one of the most exciting weeks for NFL fans, being able to watch their team either triumph or start their offseason earlier than what they would’ve liked. All eyes will be on Browns @ Texans to start this week’s slate of games. Make sure to click here for all other playoff injury reports for this weekend and beyond.

Browns @ Texans Injury Report

Cleveland Browns

Grant Delpit: A groin injury suffered weeks ago will continue to keep Cleveland’s starting free safety sidelined. Delpit was enjoying one of his best seasons yet before he got hurt. Veteran Duron Harmen has been starting in his place. He’s tackled well as a member of the Browns but is below average at best in coverage. Expect C.J. Stroud to take full advantage, completing multiple deep balls on Harmon’s coverage.

Denzel Ward: While he hasn’t been officially ruled out, the Browns’ top cornerback is fighting through knee and shoulder injuries. If he isn’t able to play, expect both Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. to slide over to the outside spots. Reserve corner Mike Ford would likely take over the slot. If this is the case, expect Noah Brown to have a sizable advantage against the less experienced Ford.

Dustin Hopkins: A left hamstring injury will again keep the Browns’ starting kicker out. Riley Patterson will kick in his place. He’s been solid since joining Cleveland, only missing one extra point. If that happens again though, that could change the entire game.

Houston Texans

Will Anderson Jr./ Jonathan Greenard/Jerry Hughes: The Texans could be in big trouble this week with their group of edge rushers. Veteran Jerry Hughes is already ruled out and starters Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Greenard are listed as questionable. Greenard didn’t play last week, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him inactive again. If one or both of Houston’s starters can’t play, expect a lack of outside pass rush on Joe Flacco.

Sheldon Rankins/Maliek Collins: Shoulder and hip injuries have both Texans’ starting defensive tackles listed as questionable. They both dealt with the same injuries and played through them, so it would be a shock to see them not play. Still, expect slightly worse interior pressure since they’re facing the best interior offensive line in the league.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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