PLAYER NOTES
–CB Denzel Ward (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. He was injured playing against the Bengals last week. He missed the two games prior to that with another concussion.
–DT Larry Ogunjobi (biceps) did not practice Wednesday. He has rested on Wednesday the past few weeks, but plays on Sundays. He expects to play in Baltimore.
–LB Tanner Vallejo (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. He was injured playing the Bengals.
–C JC Tretter (ankle) rested Wednesday. He has rested on Wednesdays since being injured Oct. 14, but he has started every game.
–TE David Njoku (knee) was limited on Wednesday.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: WR Breshad Perriman, a first-round pick by Baltimore in 2015 (26th overall) was cut by the Ravens on Sept. 1. His career has been reborn with the Browns. He has been on the receiving end of two 66-yard pass plays and has 13 catches for 295 yards (a 22.7 average) and a touchdown. He’ll have extra motivation on Sunday going against his former team.
GAME PLAN: The Browns are more aggressive offensively than when they beat the Ravens, 12-9, in October. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will take his shots downfield on Sunday if the opportunity presents itself. The Browns know they need more than running back Nick Chubb against the Ravens’ strong run defense, so expect offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens to call a high percentage of pass plays.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
–Browns SS Jabrill Peppers vs. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. Joe Flacco, a pocket passer, was the Ravens quarterback in the first meeting between the division rivals. Jackson is second on the Ravens with 605 rushing yards and has a team-high 127 carries. Using Peppers to spy Jackson might be the best way to keep the Ravens fleet rookie in check.
–Browns LT Greg Robinson vs. Ravens LB Za’Darius Smith. Smith leads the Ravens with 8.5 sacks. The Browns offensive line began showing improvement when Robinson replaced Desmond Harrison as a starter in the 10th game of the season, but Robinson seems to get called for holding at least once a game. The Browns can’t afford to have drives stalled by penalties on Sunday.
