Mack Wilson questionable to return

Browns LB Mack Wilson is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington. If he plays, it would be his season debut after missing the 1st 2 weeks with the hyperextended knee he suffered early in training camp. Even if Wilson is active, he'd make for a shaky IDP option. Wilson fill-in Jacob Phillips (knee) is out for the 2nd straight game. CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) has also been ruled out for the 3rd straight game. Fellow starting CB Denzel Ward (groin) is questionable. Ward came down with the injury in Thursday's practice and then sat out Friday, so he looks like a big question mark for the game. His absence would enhance the matchup for Washington lead WR Terry McLaurin. Cleveland has also ruled out DE Olivier Vernon (abdomen), and replacement Adrian Clayborn (hip) is questionable. Clayborn put in just a limited workout Friday after missing the previous 2 days.

The Browns are hiring longtime NFL coach Jim Schwartz to run their defense. Cleveland fired DC Joe Woods after a season in which they fell from 5th in yards allowed, 13th in scoring defense and 11th in Football Outsiders DVOA to 14th, 20th and 23rd, respectively. Schwartz last coordinated the Eagles' defense from 2016-20. Overall, he has spent 19 years as DC (Titans, Bills and Eagles) or HC (Lions) in the NFL. Schwartz's defenses have tended to rank better against the run than the pass and have not proved especially helpful to LB tackle totals. He has generally focused on generating pressure with his front 4, often lining up edge players in a "wide 9" formation, well outside the OTs. We'll see about his specific plans for a Cleveland defense with some intriguing talent.

The Browns have ruled CB Denzel Ward (concussion) out for Sunday's game against the Ravens. EDGE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is questionable. He has played just once since Week 2.

Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney missed Wednesday's practice with an illness and an elbow injury. S Grant Delpit was limited with a hip issue. We'll see about the availability of each starter as the week progresses.

Browns S Ronnie Harrison (ankle) and CB Troy Hill (knee) are inactive for today's game against the Bengals. S John Johnson III (hamstring), CB Denzel Ward (groin) and CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) are active.

The Browns have ruled out S John Johnson III (hamstring), S Ronnie Harrison (ankle) and slot CB Troy Hill (knee) for Monday night's game against the Steelers. Losing both safety starters and their slot corner obviously weakens the Cleveland secondary, adding upside to Steelers passing-game pieces.