The Cleveland Browns know that every game from here on out is important for the team. Coming off a harder than it needed to be win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, the Browns could take first place in the AFC North with a win against the Las Vegas Raiders and a Ravens loss in Week 15.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted in his Monday press conference that the team will have to do it short-handed, again. Running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback Troy Hill are unlikely to play with Stefanski noting that the two have week-to-week injuries, not day-to-day.
Cleveland has been without Hunt this season including a time where both Hunt and starter Nick Chubb have been out. D’Ernest Johnson proved that he could step in and take on a bigger role in the run game.
Hill’s injury could be a little more difficult for the Browns depending on the status of rookie corner Greg Newsome II. Newsome suffered a concussion at the very end of Friday’s practice and missed the Baltimore game. All concussions are different, receiver Anthony Schwartz has missed three games due to his. It should not be assumed that Newsome will return this week although it is possible.
A.J. Green and M.J. Stewart would step in as the team’s third and fourth cornerbacks, most likely, should both Hill and Newsome not be able to go against Las Vegas. With Derek Carr’s ability to push the ball downfield, both being out could make the game very difficult for the Browns.