The Cleveland Browns are trying to stay focused on their upcoming game against the St. Louis Rams after a devastating loss to the Denver Broncos and drama around Johnny Manziel. Josh McCown is looking to capitalize off some momentum gained against Denver, but injuries might make that tough. At the moment their run games remains a question mark with breakout star Duke Johnson having suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of the Week 6 loss. The running back led the team in rushing with 38 yards while also catching three passes for 18 yards receiving before getting taken out of the game. Pat McManamon of ESPN.com updated Johnson's status to probable against the Rams after getting cleared to play which is good news for the Browns who need their most versatile threat on the field.
Cleveland is expected to give Robert Turbin more time on the field as well after he made a quiet debut in Week 6 with 10 carries for 27 yards. He could emerge as the favored back over Johnson or Isaiah Crowell as many predict the former Seattle Seahawks star to be a key waiver pickup this week. Turbin told the media that he wants the ball in his hands more as he is confident he can make the critical plays to move the chains.
"There have been multiple games where it's come down to this, where it's come down to those guys," Turbin said, via the team website. "I tell the guys, 'hey, this is the time running backs have to take over. What do you got? Can we hold the ball? Can we move the chains? Can we get first downs?' It's on us and the linemen but it's not even always about the offensive linemen, it's about us. What kind of special plays can we make in those situations to keep the chains moving?"
One player not expected to be on the field in Week 7 is Dwayne Bowe who has fallen completely out of favor with the team. Bowe has been inactive four out of six games this season. While the veteran has been dealing with a hamstring injury, it sounds like head coach Mike Pettine is simply no longer confident in Bowe's abilities on the field. The Browns signed the receiver to a contract that gives him $9 million in guaranteed money, so the chances the Browns release him are slim to none. Now they must just simply watch as they get no return on investment.
"We make that decision each week," Pettine said, via Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. "We build a plan and see where we are from a depth standpoint. We talk about the minimum position requirements. The top 4 guys [at wide receiver] are entrenched."
Pettine basically said that Bowe is no longer one of the top four receivers on the team. Instead, Travis Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel are emerging along with tight end Gary Barnidge. Brian Hartline has been quiet but effective when called on while Marlon Moore is looking more favored each week. Fans should expect to not see Bowe in the mix any time soon.