Amari Cooper of the Browns will be sidelined against the Jets due to a heel injury, despite earlier reports indicating optimism about his potential to play.
The Cleveland Browns will try to secure a playoff berth on Thursday without their primary offensive playmaker.
Cleveland revealed that Amari Cooper would be inactive for the game against the New York Jets due to a heel injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport clarified that although there was optimism about his participation, Cooper didn’t feel right during warmups.
The timing is less than ideal for the Browns, not just because a playoff spot is at stake with a win. Cooper is coming off a standout performance in team history, recording 11 catches for a franchise-record 265 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s victory over the Houston Texans. With two consecutive games of over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, he appeared to be raising his performance level heading into the season’s final stretch.
In total, Cooper, an Alabama product, has amassed 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns this season.
This setback adds to the Browns’ challenges, following season-ending injuries to running back Nick Chubb (knee) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder). Despite these setbacks, the team maintains a winning record of 10-5 entering Thursday’s contest.
Quarterback Joe Flacco’s resurgence has played a crucial role in the Browns’ playoff contention, with Cooper being a key target. In the win against the Texans, Cooper received 15 targets, 11 more than the next-closest wide receiver.
With Cooper sidelined, the game plan may involve an increased role for tight end David Njoku, who has found success with Flacco, securing four touchdown catches in the last three games.
Elijah Moore might see more targets, and the rushing attack featuring Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt will likely be crucial as the Browns aim to control the clock and generate enough points against a solid Jets defense.
