The Cleveland Browns entered Sunday with Jarvis Landry atop the depth chart at receiver while Odell Beckham Jr. continues to recover from last year’s ACL injury.
Unfortunately, Landry may have a knee injury of his own.
He caught a pass on the team’s opening drive and was slow to get up.
The veteran was removed from the game and while he was deemed questionable to return, he never did.
Word then emerged that Landry could be dealing with an MCL injury.
Browns believe WR Jarvis Landry has a sprained MCL and he will undergo further testing, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2021
A sprain is certainly better than a tear, but Browns fans will be worried until more is known.
How They Responded
The Browns had to adjust and the answer was targeting some surprise players on offense.
That included rookie Demetric Felton, who had an electric touchdown catch and run to breathe some life into the stadium in what was a shaky game until late.
Tight end Harrison Bryant had four catches of his own, while Austin Hooper led the way with five.
Baker Mayfield spread the ball around and ultimately the game was won by putting faith in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Chubb had 95 yards and a touchdown on only 11 carries, so Browns fans will hope and pray Kevin Stefanski realizes he can trust his back more moving forward.
That makes the defense focus on the run and opens up the field for the likes of Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Anthony Schwartz.
That trio combined for three catches on the day.
A Concerning Situation
The Browns were sloppy at times on offense Sunday and it was clear they were not going to take deep shots often.
That will be the case when you are down both Beckham and Landry.
The gameplan surely involved Landry to a huge degree and he was gone after one reception.
What can’t happen in Week 3 is Beckham returning if he is still not at full strength.
However, that then raises the question of what his true timetable is this season.
If the team believes Landry has an MCL sprain, he is likely already out next week.
The good news is that the Browns play the Chicago Bears at home in Week 3.
Justin Fields may start after Andy Dalton suffered an injury Sunday and that means the rookie would step into a brutal environment for a first career start.
Texans rookie Davis Mills had quite the tough time himself in Cleveland on Sunday.
So at least in Week 3, the Browns could realistically win without the top two wideouts.
A road matchup with the Minnesota Vikings looms in Week 4 and the schedule gets tougher from there.
Kevin Stefanski confirms that Baker Mayfield has a left shoulder injury. “He’s sore, but he gutted it out.” Added results from MRI on Jarvis Landry’s knee will be coming in the morning. #Browns
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) September 19, 2021
Browns fans are now in a wait-and-see situation with both Beckham and Landry after a win that raised concerns throughout.
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