Concerns arise in Cleveland as the star wide receiver for the Browns faces uncertainty ahead of a pivotal Week 17 showdown.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper, fresh off being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, may sit out the upcoming home game against the New York Jets on Thursday night. He is listed as questionable on the injury report due to a heel issue, and there’s hesitation to risk him, especially as the Browns are closing in on a playoff spot.
Cooper’s outstanding performance in week 16 against the Texans, where he made 11 catches for 265 yards and scored two touchdowns, played a pivotal role in the Browns securing their third consecutive win and achieving only their third 10-win season this century. Despite the quarterback challenges faced by Cleveland, Cooper has had a remarkable 2023 season, reaching a career-high of 1,250 receiving yards in 15 games and positioning himself for his fifth Pro Bowl selection since joining the NFL in 2015.
His stellar showing against the Texans also marked a historic moment for the Browns, as Cooper became the first receiver in franchise history, dating back to 1946, to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Currently ranking sixth in the NFL for receiving yards and boasting a career-best 17.4 yards per reception, Cooper has become an integral part of the Browns’ offensive success.
If Cooper misses the Thursday night game against the Jets, it will pose an additional challenge for the Browns, who have faced multiple injuries throughout the season, including disruptions to their starting quarterback and running back. It would also deny fans the opportunity to witness how Cooper would surpass his exceptional performance in Houston, where he set a new franchise record for single-game receiving yards.
The Browns, with a 10-5 record, have already secured their fourth winning season in the past 25 years. They are heavily favored against the 6-9 Jets, who have been eliminated from playoff contention. A victory on Thursday night would secure a postseason berth for the Browns for only the third time since the franchise resumed play in 1999. However, the absence of a key offensive weapon like Cooper may require the defense, led by Myles Garrett, to ensure that any points scored by the Browns will be enough for the win.
