The Cleveland Browns are trying to get a win as the team looks poised for a top draft pick once again in 2016. With injuries running wild in the offense, things could get interesting in Week 14. After having four players inactive for Week 13, the Browns cannot afford the same thing a week later with Johnny Manziel returning as the starting quarterback.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns might be without top receiver Travis Benjamin in Week 14. The wide receiver exited the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a shoulder injury and did not return. Now sources are reporting that Benjamin has not been seen at practice all week which means he is likely unavailable for play on Sunday. Benjamin could still get on the field Thursday or Friday and be active. The Browns are not saying much about his status, but if the team has any hope of getting a win they need Benjamin on the field.
Benjamin is not the only player facing doubt about his status for Sunday. Gary Barnidge rolled his ankle against the Bengals and has been limited since then. According to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Barnidge is expected to play in Week 14, but his role is unknown at the moment. The same can be said for both Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel who were inactive against the Bengals.
Hawkins is potentially getting shut down for the season. According to Ulrich the receiver has not been cleared from his concussion and given the state of the Browns right now, he is likely headed for injured reserve in order to get healthy for the future. Gabriel is also dealing with a concussion, but there is a chance that he might be cleared for Week 14. Ulrich writes that it was a surprise the receiver was not fine for Week 13, but he is still looking to be cleared by the league in order to get active. Without Hawkins or Gabriel, the team will be relying on Brian Hartline and the run game to improve.
Manziel might not have a lot to work with on Sunday as he looks to prove he can be a part of the future for Cleveland. According to Pat McManamon, the quarterback has the confidence of head coach Mike Pettine, but he is skating on thin ice. Pettine told the media that one more mess up from Manziel off the field and the punishment will be harsh. It is unclear if the same can be said for on the field as the Browns look to see if the quarterback has a chance to be a franchise player or not.
Johnny will be our starting quarterback on Sunday," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "He's been solid in the building over the last couple of weeks and we are hopeful he takes this opportunity to continue to build on the progress he's made on the field throughout the season. The goal for every game is to go out and win, and Johnny needs to show that he can put us in position to do so during these last four weeks of the season."
