NFL

Will Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. play for the Browns against the Raiders? Running back injury status

With question marks hanging over the Cleveland Browns’ backfield, they prepare for this weekend’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.

NIC ANTAYAAFP

The Cleveland Browns are wrapping up their last practice before heading to Las Vegas for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. But it looks like the team will be missing a few key players on both sides of the ball. Cleveland has already ruled out tight end David Njoku, tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, as well as running back Pierre Strong Jr.

Njoku, who’s been nursing a high ankle sprain from Week 1 against the Cowboys, returned to practice Thursday. He caught a few passes and did some light running, but his ankle wasn’t quite ready. He’s out for Sunday and will continue working on his rehab.

The Browns’ offensive line is also taking a hit. Both Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin will miss the game. Conklin’s been battling a knee issue, and just when he was set to make a return last week, he injured his hamstring. Wills is dealing with a knee problem of his own that flared up last week against the Giants, forcing him to leave the game. Neither practiced this week.

Pierre Strong Jr. is another player who won’t suit up Sunday. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury from last week’s game against the Jaguars and still isn’t ready to return.

Despite these losses, a few Browns are trying to power through their own injuries. Defensive end Myles Garrett, who’s been dealing with a foot injury that’s also affecting his Achilles and thigh, returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. Garrett is determined to be on the field.

“There’s multiple things. So, deal with them as they come and no excuses, just go out there and ball,” Garrett said. “I’m not concerned about causing any further damage. I’m just going to go out there and play.

Running back Jerome Ford is another player to watch. After missing Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury, he returned Thursday and Friday, so the signs look good for him to play Sunday. Linebacker Jordan Hicks is also working through injuries - he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with elbow and rib issues but was back on the field Friday.

One new face at practice is wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who joined the Browns recently and has been rehabbing an undisclosed injury. He’s currently on the practice squad, so his status for Sunday is up in the air.

Over in Las Vegas, the Raiders will be without two of their top players. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby and wide receiver Davante Adams are both out. Crosby, who played through an ankle injury last week, hasn’t practiced this week, and Adams hurt his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice.

It’s shaping up to be an interesting matchup, with both teams missing some key pieces. The Browns and Raiders will kick off Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST.

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