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Week 16 might have just brought the Browns another early Christmas gift

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated 12/22/23

With the year the Cleveland Browns have had with injuries, they’ll accept good news any time they can get it.

Joel Bitonio returned to practice on Friday and it is a good sign for his availability in Week 16. Bitonio had missed the last two practices with a back injury.

On Friday, S Juan Thornhill (calf), LB Anthony Walker Jr. (knee), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral), LB Jordan Kunaszyk (calf), and LB Matthew Adams (unknown) did not practice.

Against the Texans, Bitonio is questionable to play. Kunaszyk, Thornhill. Okoronkwo, and Walker are all out against Houston, according to the Browns.

#Browns Joel Bitonio back at practice on Friday to provide hope he can play on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/WdOi9d7NDu
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) December 22, 2023

Cleveland is already down their top three offensive tackles and will start Geron Christian and James Hudson once again, so Bitonio being back would be a big plus. Notably, C Ethan Pocic is back this week, so expect Nick Harris to be at fullback more.

The Browns will need to rely on Ronnie Hickman and D’Anthony Bell to step up at safety once again with Thornhill and Grant Delpit (IR) out.

A full injury report with designations will be available here later today.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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