Cleveland Browns starting safety Rodney McLeod Jr. left the game against the Washington Commanders with a face laceration. He is questionable to return. Ronnie Hickman has stepped in as the deep safety to face the Commander’s prolific passing attack.
The Browns are vulnerable at deep safety. Starting free safety Juan Thornhill suffered a calf injury after the first game, and was placed on injured reserve during Week 2 of the season. He is able to return after next week.
McLeod and Hickman have stepped in for Thornhill, but they’re having a limited impact. McLeod is a 13-year veteran and his experience helps the Browns pre-snap, but he no longer has the athleticism to patrol the deep middle of the field. Hickman is inexperienced and is constantly caught between assignments.
The Browns need McLeod’s experience to help limit the Commanders’ explosive passing attack.
He came back into the game afterward being treated on the sideline.