The Cleveland Browns are trying to put together a productive offense around Josh McCown, but injuries are hurting that effort from happening. The team is coming off a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos and now is trying to bounce back as they prepare to play the St. Louis Rams. The injury report had a few unwanted names on it as both Duke Johnson and Gary Barnidge nurse problems.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, both Johnson and Barnidge are dealing with injuries, but still expected to play in Week 7. Johnson has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has caused him to be limited in practice, but he has been cleared to play. Johnson has been one of the more effective players on offense as he is a threat in both the passing game and the run game. The rookie has done a good job of bailing out McCown on Sundays. If he is limited, both Isaiah Crowell and Robert Turbin will take over the run game. Turbin is hopeful this is his opportunity to stamp his place in the offense.
"There have been multiple games where it's come down to this, where it's come down to those guys," Turbin said, via RantSports.com. "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?"
Barnidge is dealing with an ankle injury, but did return to practice on Thursday. The tight end has been a breakout star for the Browns and their best fantasy football threat against the Rams. Owners would be wise to continue riding the Barnidge bandwagon even with the ankle problems. The tight end has paired well with Travis Benjamin and Brian Hartline in the passing game as they both hope to have a big game as well.
Cleveland needs players like Barnidge and Benjamin with Dwayne Bowe getting hit with the bust label. The wide receiver is expected to remain on the sidelines even if players like Barnidge are limited. Head coach Mike Pettine told the media that Bowe simply is not one of their top four wide receivers and will not be in the mix during games until he improves. With $9 million in guaranteed money coming his way, the Browns cannot do anything Bowe except hold on to him.
