Coach Pat Shurmur confirms Cleveland Browns without key starters versus Denver Broncos – NFL News
The Cleveland Browns’ preparations for a road game versus the Denver Broncos hit a serious setback on Saturday (Dec. 22) when their key starters opted out of the squad because of the respective injury scares.
In an update coach Pat Shurmur confirmed that first player to go down is wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi. He has suffered a knee injury, the coach said, and will not accompany them to Denver.
Massaquoi is going to miss a game second time in the season. He earlier remained out of the side for straight five games after suffering a hamstring problem.
Further, the coach said they will be without tight end Jordan Cameron, who is recovering from a concussion he sustained in the game versus the Washington Redskins last week. He earlier was projected to a possible return for the Broncos game but could not
make the mid-week training session on Wednesday and then on Friday. Now he has been confirmed out of the squad this Sunday.
Meanwhile, cornerback Tashaun Gipson who had been brought in to replace CB T.J. Ward on the weekend has injured his foot during practice this week. The coach said he will not be making the team this weekend.
All three players are starters at their respective positions, and their ousting does not bode well with the Browns’ hopes to pull off an upset win versus the Broncos. They are aware that Broncos are led by star performer quarterback Peyton Manning, and stand
little chance to beat them. The injury scares are set to add to their difficulties.
Shurmur has earlier avoided commenting on their game strategy or their expectations out of the game. He said they will go and play their natural game, not apparently focused on the result.
The coach is probably right due to the fact that the Browns who held an outright chance to make the playoffs until last week are no more in the race. With the record of 5-9 they can just improve their record if somehow manage a win on the weekend.
Again, offence leader rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden and running back Trent Richardson stand crucial to their performance on the day.
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