Shelby Harris has been an important part of Cleveland’s run defense
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The Cleveland Browns only care about health in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. A vast majority of the team’s important players are either inactive or dressed but not playing.
Unfortunately, due to roster size limitations, some key players are on the field including DTs Jordan Elliott and Shelby Harris.
With the Bengals up 21-0, the Browns got exactly what they didn’t want to see with a key player going down with an injury:
Shortly after, Harris headed to Cleveland’s locker room:
Harris has started six games this year after signing late in the offseason. The veteran defensive tackle has 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Perhaps more impressive, Harris knocked down five passes from the interior of the line.
Walking off the field, Harris seemed to say “I’m good” to a fan as seen in the video below:
We will keep you up to date as information on Harris’ injury becomes available.
Long, frustrating first half for Jeff Driskel, Browns defense – Terry Pluto’s Halftime Scribbles
CINCINNATI, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Bengals lead the Browns 24-0 at the half.
Jeff Driskel’s first pass was overthrown and picked off. Watching him made me wonder, “How much pressure is he feeling?” That answer is obvious – a lot. Driskel is 30. He has bounced around the NFL. In 2018, he had a 1-4 record as a starter with the Bengals. His next stop was Detroit, where he lost his only three starts.
Week 18 Inactives: Cleveland vs. Cincinnati
The Browns and Bengals face off in the 2023 season finale down on the shores of the Ohio River.
For the first time in a long time, this Week 18 game is meaningless because the Browns have their playoff spot locked up and their opponent is eliminated from contention.
Cleveland’s ticket is already punched and they have the luxury of resting some of their key players on Sunday. However, with the lingering injuries that this team already has, they are not going to be able to rest all of the guys they want to, specifically in the secondary.
Cincinnati Inactives
Wide Receiver – Tee Higgins
Running Back – Chris Evans
Offensive Tackle – D’Ante Smith
Cornerback – Chidobe Awuzie
Center – Trey Hill
Tight End – Irv Smith Jr.
Defensive Tackle – Travis Bell
Sunday may mark the end of an era for the Bengals. It is contract time for them and Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixonare all expecting new deals. It will be a challenge to keep all of those guys together for the future.
For Cleveland, they just need to get through this game without any injuries. They have fought the injury bug all year long and can’t afford much more. With the weather being iffy at best, the Browns need to get out of Cincinnati as healthy as possible as they gear up for the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
The Browns and Bengals put a bow on the 2023 regular season and Cleveland has its sights set on a deep playoff run.
