FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
CLEVELAND BROWNS
–OUT: T Austin Corbett (foot), CB Denzel Ward (concussion)
–QUESTIONABLE: CB Phillip Gaines (knee), DT Larry Ogunjobi (biceps), C J.C. Tretter (ankle)
DENVER BRONCOS
–OUT: LB Shaquil Barrett (hip), CB Chris Harris Jr. (fibula), CB Isaac Yiadom (shoulder)
–QUESTIONABLE: DE Derek Wolfe (concussion)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: S Justin Simmons enters Saturday night’s game against the Browns as just one of four NFL players not to have missed a defensive snap this season. Simmons has been a key playmaker for the Broncos, both in run support and as the secondary’s last line of defense, coming up with three pass interceptions, most recently in a Broncos’ win two weeks ago at Cincinnati. He figures prominently in Denver’s plans to stymie Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield, the top overall pick in last spring’s NFL draft who has emerged as one of the top young quarterbacks in the game with a penchant for successfully throwing the deep ball.
GAME PLAN: The Broncos are tired of playing from behind. Their offensive priority is to try to break on top and build a lead from there. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave aims to call an aggressive game plan from the get-go to give the Broncos the best chance to set the offensive tone of the game. “We’re exploring all options because we want to get out and play from a lead,” offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. “That’s much more fun.”
Baker Mayfield has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league in recent weeks and the Broncos’ defensive priority is to exert pressure on him and try to rattle him. They have two of the best disrupters in the game in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb and their ability to get in Mayfield’s face could well determine the outcome of the game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Browns RB Nick Chubb vs. Broncos OLB Bradley Chubb. Nick Chubb has developed into a top-tier running back for the Browns and Bradley Chubb has already had a memorable rookie season with 12 sacks for the Broncos. But Bradley Chubb also can bring it in run support and he’ll need to continue that physical, all-around approach Saturday night in his first matchup against his cousin, Nick Chubb.
–Broncos WR Courtland Sutton vs. Browns CB Denzel Ward. With Emmanuel Sanders out for the rest of the year with an Achilles’ injury, Sutton has become the Broncos’ go-to receiver even though he’s just finishing his rookie campaign. He’ll have his hands full against another polished rookie in Ward, who was a top-five pick in the draft by the Browns. Ward has good speed and physicality but if the Broncos can maneuver Sutton into jump-ball situations, he could be in position to exploit his size advantage. The Broncos could catch a break if Ward doesn’t come out of concussion protocol in time to play in the game.
