The Browns miraculously and unexpectedly beat the Forty-Niners 19-17 last weekend on a last-second field goal by Dustin Hopkins. The veteran kicker made 4-5 attempts on the day with a long of 50 yards, and Kareem Hunt scored the Browns’ lone touchdown on a 16-yard run off a direct snap.
Brock Purdy and the Niner offense sorely missed Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel; both started the contest but were knocked out of the game. After giving up an early receiving touchdown to McCaffrey, Cleveland played suffocating defense. San Francisco benefited from a PJ Walker interception that was returned to the Browns 8-yard line, and they were able to punch it in for the touchdown and take a 17-13 lead. A lead that didn’t hold up, as Cleveland Browns fans know.
Kareem Hunt may not be at 100% this weekend when the Browns take on Indianapolis. Hunt sat out of practice on Wednesday with a thigh injury, but it isn’t too concerning for a few reasons. Kareem Hunt knows the offense, and he was well enough to finish the game last week against San Francisco.
But the primary reason not to be too concerned is the emergence of Jerome Ford. The second year running back out of the University of Cincinnati rushed for 84 yards on 17 carries against San Francisco, an impressive average of 4.9 yards per carry. If Ford runs like this against Indianapolis, Hunt may be taking a back seat anyhow.
Deshaun Watson did not practice on Wednesday either, still nursing a slight tear in his rotator cuff. No one should be surprised; this isn’t anything new. At least he held his press conference this week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, speaking to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan, said “He’s making progress but we’re going to continue to treat that as day-to-day.” There you go, nothing new here.
The news event will be when Deshaun decides he’s ready to pull himself off the bench and lead the offense. Could this be the week Watson returns under center? It would be helpful considering PJ Walker was woefully ineffective against San Francisco despite getting a victory. My gut instinct on Watson starting tells me….to wait and see.
But honestly, the way the defense is playing, the offense may not have to do too much against the Colts.
Cornerback Greg Newsome (hamstring), linebacker Anthony Walker (concussion), and tight end Harrison Bryant (hip) also did not suit up for practice on Wednesday. We will keep an eye on these statuses as well.
Source for injury updates: nbcports.com
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