Cleveland Browns’ star wide receiver Amari Cooper, currently nursing a heel injury, sent a reassuring message about his anticipated return for the postseason. In a surprising move, Cooper was absent from the Week 17 game, marking the first time he missed a match during his two-year tenure with the Browns. Despite attempting to warm up, he ultimately decided against participating.
As the Browns gear up for a Week 18 face-off against the Cincinnati Bengals, deemed meaningless in the broader playoff picture, Cooper is expected to use this opportunity to rest and recover. Expressing optimism, he conveyed that he is steadily improving and is confident about being in top form for the upcoming Wild Card matchup.
Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com reported Cooper’s positive outlook, stating, “Browns’ Amari Cooper (heel) says he’s getting better every day and expects to be good enough to go to the playoffs. “Happy to rest this weekend.”
Cooper’s absence in Week 17 didn’t overshadow his impressive season performance. Recently named to his fifth Pro Bowl and first as a Brown, Cooper has been a standout player, leading the team with 1,250 receiving yards. This accomplishment places him third in the franchise’s history for single-season receiving yards. Notably, Cooper is the first Browns player to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, complemented by setting a franchise single-game record with 265 receiving yards in Week 16.
Quarterback Joe Flacco, who has shown promising chemistry with Cooper since his arrival in November, is confident that the team can maintain momentum despite injuries. Flacco, having thrown for over 300 yards in four consecutive games, emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game’s core aspects. While both Flacco and Cooper will sit out the upcoming weekend, Flacco remains unfazed about potential setbacks, acknowledging the resilience required in the face of injuries.
With Flacco on the sidelines, veteran Jeff Driskel is slated to start as the Browns’ fifth starting quarterback this season. Despite the quarterback shuffle, the team remains optimistic about its prospects.
Injury concerns have been a prevailing theme for the Browns, but there are glimmers of positive news. Wide receiver Elijah Moore, who suffered a scary concussion in a previous game, has been practicing in a limited capacity, signaling potential availability for the postseason. Head coach Kevin expressed satisfaction with the progress of both Cooper and Moore, highlighting their improving conditions.
The Browns are also hopeful about the return of pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, initially feared to be out for the season with a pec injury. Okoronkwo’s potential availability adds to the team’s optimism as they prepare for the challenges of the playoffs.
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