x
Breaking News
More () »

Cleveland Browns rule out three starters for Sunday’s game against Los Angeles Rams

The Browns have ruled out three starters for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns head into their Sunday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams more than a little bit banged up.

The Browns will host the reigning NFC Champion Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland without the services of three starters: linebacker Christian Kirksey, safety Damarious Randall and tight end David Njoku.

Currently, the Browns are mulling over surgical options for Kirksey (chest) and Njoku (wrist), while Randall will miss his second straight game because of a concussion. In addition to the wrist injury, Njoku is working through the NFL Concussion Protocol.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Njoku suffered a wrist injury Monday night that could require surgery.” Schefter went on to report that ‘Njoku is getting additional medical opinions to find out if surgery is necessary and how long he would be sidelined.”

Credit: Matt Florjancic
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku tries to make a catch in the final minicamp practice of the offseason in Berea on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

Watch | Channel 3’s Jay Crawford takes a tour of the Sunday Night Football bus

Until now, Njoku has not dealt with major injury concerns in his professional career, as he played in 34 straight games since joining the Browns via a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (Florida).

This year, Njoku has four receptions in seven targets for 37 yards and one touchdown, which came in the Browns’ 43-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the 2019 regular-season opener at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on Sunday, September 8.

“I think everything is on the table right now,” Kitchens said. “We will see. We will see what the options are.

“Some of it is what we are trying to figure out. I am not saying that it is not broken. I am just saying we are trying to determine the severity of the injury really. We should know something -- I do not know -- maybe tonight.”

Credit: Matt Florjancic
Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey shares a laugh with fans during a break at training camp in Berea on Saturday, July 27, 2019.

RELATED | ‘He is terrifying.’ How diminutive former Akron star JoJo Natson became one of NFL’s best returners

Now in his sixth season with the Browns out of the University of Iowa and currently, a third-year captain, Kirksey registered 11 total tackles, including six solo stops and five assists, through the first two games.

Kirksey entered his sixth season with the Browns having played in 71 games with 52 starts. In those games, Kirksey registered 452 total tackles, including 282 solo stops, 170 assists and 11.5 sacks for 49.5 lost yards.

Also, Kirksey collected two interceptions, defended 17 passes, forced four fumbles and recovered three others.

“Christian, we are trying to evaluate and see what the best course of action is with him,” Kitchens said.

Credit: Ron Schwane/AP
Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith walks to a drill during the team's organized team activities practice at team headquarters in Berea, Ohio on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

RELATED | Cleveland Browns ‘ready for anything’ from tremendous offensive mind of Rams coach Sean McVay

Along with the three starters, the Browns ruled out backup offensive tackle Kendall Lamm because of a knee injury suffered in the 2019 regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 8.

While Kirksey, Njoku, Randall and Lamm are out, several other players are questionable for Sunday’s game.

Cornerbacks Greedy Williams (hamstring) and Denzel Ward (hamstring), safety Morgan Burnett (quadriceps), wide receiver Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins (knee), right tackle Chris Hubbard (foot), linebacker Adarius Taylor (ankle), safety Sheldrick Redwine (hamstring) and defensive lineman Chris Smith (personal) are all questionable for the game against the Rams.

RELATED | Friendly reminder: Cleveland's Muni lot opens at 2 p.m. for Sunday Night Football

GUIDE | Everything you need to know for the Cleveland Browns-Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday Night Football

RELATED | Cleveland Browns embrace challenge of facing ‘best player in league,’ LA Rams DT Aaron Donald

Before You Leave, Check This Out