On Friday, Browns Pro Bowlers Myles Garrett and David Njoku returned to practice ahead of Sunday’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati. Garrett, who was listed on the injury report with a back issue, had missed Thursday’s session but participated fully on Friday, moving without any apparent issues. Njoku, who sat out last week’s 21-7 loss to the Chiefs and had missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, also appeared healthy and ready for action.
The 3-11 Browns are looking to spoil the Bengals’ playoff hopes as they prepare for their final three games of the season. Safety Grant Delpit expressed the team’s mindset, saying, “Obviously our season is over, so we’re trying to bring them with us.” Delpit added that while the Bengals have playoff hopes, the Browns aim to prevent them from succeeding.
Njoku’s return would be a big boost for rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, especially after the Browns were without both Njoku and receiver Cedric Tillman (who has missed three games due to a concussion) last week. Njoku ranks second on the team with 56 catches, third with 439 yards, and leads with five touchdowns.
For Garrett, this game is key as he needs just half a sack to become the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks in 115 games, joining Hall of Famers Bruce Smith and Lawrence Taylor. The only player absent from Friday’s practice was defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who is dealing with an elbow injury.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that wide receiver Tee Higgins, despite missing Thursday’s practice due to a knee issue, is expected to play and have a full workload.
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