CINCINNATI —Tight end David Njoku and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. are both confirmed to be active for the game after overcoming their respective injuries.
Njoku, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury from the previous week’s 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, practiced limitedly on Friday. His determination to play was fueled by a personal vendetta following a hard hit from the last encounter with the Bengals on October 20, where the Browns lost 21-14. “One of the reasons is, No. 1, it’s personal,” Njoku stated, emphasizing his resolve to be on the field.
Similarly, Emerson, who suffered a concussion in the Chiefs game, cleared the concussion protocol but was listed as questionable due to a new back injury sustained during practice. His presence is crucial as the Browns face one of the NFL’s top offenses led by Joe Burrow, who has thrown for 3,977 yards and 36 touchdowns this season. Emerson will be key in covering Bengals’ receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with Chase leading the league with 15 touchdown catches.
In quarterback news, Bailey Zappe steps up as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson, with Jameis Winston, who was dealing with a shoulder injury, listed as inactive but the third emergency quarterback.
The Browns will also see rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. start for the first time this season, replacing the inactive Shelby Harris, who is out with an elbow injury.
Additional lineup changes include:
- Browns Inactives:
- #5 QB Jameis Winston (3QB)
- #19 WR Cedric Tillman
- #25 CB Kahlef Hailassie
- #35 CB Chigozie Anusiem
- #82 TE Brenden Bates
- #93 DT Shelby Harris
- #99 DE Cameron Thomas
- Expected Lineup Changes:
- #51 Mike Hall Jr. starts at DT
- Flipcard Changes:
- Elevated #11 WR James Proche II from practice squad
- Elevated #25 CB Kahlef Hailassie from practice squad
The Bengals’ roster sees Tee Higgins active despite a knee issue, adding another layer of challenge for the Browns’ defense. Meanwhile, former Browns kicker Cade York will face his old team for the first time, stepping in for Evan McPherson who is out with a groin injury.