Such is life for the Cleveland Browns that even when the team claims its first victory of the season, the occasion is marred by several key injuries. Such is the case after Sunday’s 18-13 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars that leveled the Browns’ record at 1-1 on the season.
Wide receiver David Bell, who hauled in three receptions for 27 yards was carted off the field with what head coach Kevin Stefanski said was likely a season-ending hip injury. Cleveland running back Pierre Strong Jr. also left the game with a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
One bit of good news on the injury front was that defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo was evaluated for a concussion after going down on the final drive of Sunday’s contest, but has cleared NFL protocol and will be fit for practice this week.
Cleveland Browns Lose Bell for Season
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Bell had surgery Monday for a dislocated hip that he suffered against the Jaguars. Bell was further down the Cleveland Browns wide receiver depth chart but still saw plenty of game action in Week 2. Bell had been released by the team before the start of the season but was re-signed to the practice squad and elevated back to the active roster before Week 2.
Stefanski told reporters Monday that he “felt bad” for Bell, saying:
I know his teammates feel badly for him, but he’ll bounce back. But he’s a guy that’s a big part of this football team. He’ll be here, I’m sure, as he rehabs, and can provide that steady hand as well, even just in this building.
A third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2022 NFL Draft, Bell remains under contract through 2025. His spot on the active roster may go to recently-signed Kadarius Toney at some point, however, Toney has been slowed by a back injury and his status remains up in the air.
Strong Week-to-Week for Cleveland Browns
Strong, who has been backing up starting running back Jerome Ford as the Cleveland Browns await the return of star rusher Nick Chubb, went out of Sunday’s win after being hobbled by his hamstring. He gained just five yards on two touches in the contest.
The Browns acquired Strong, a fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2022 draft, in 2023. Third-string rusher D’Onta Foreman figures to ascend to backup status for Cleveland’s Week 3 game against the 0-2 New York Giants.
Conklin, Wills, May Return for Week 3
Offensive tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr., who have yet to take the field this season as they recover from knee injuries, may both return to the lineup next Sunday, according to Stefanski. Tight end David Njoku, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and missed Sunday’s win, has not yet been ruled out for Week 3, the coach said.
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