The Cleveland Browns were without seven players in the opening practice of their Wild Card Round week against the Houston Texans. WR Amari Cooper (rest/heel), K Dustin Hopkins (left hamstring), RB Kareem Hunt (groin), CB Greg Newsome II (knee) RB Pierre Strong (back), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) and S Juan Thornhill (calf) were all sidelined on the first of three practice days for the Browns, who will play the Texans on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at NRG Stadium.
Of the players sitting out, the only one who Stefanski claimed was “unlikely” to participate was Hopkins, who has been sidelined since suffering his injury on a kickoff in the Browns’ win against the Texans on Christmas Eve. Tillman is in concussion protocol after incurring his injury Sunday against the Bengals in the regular season finale.
It’s too soon to say if he’ll play, but Stefanski didn’t mention anything about Cooper when he was asked about the rest of the receiving room.
Cooper has been sidelined since the Week 17 triumph against the Jets, a game which was played only four days after Week 16, with his injury. He was rested like six other Browns starters Sunday against the Bengals. “Feel good (about the receiver room),” Stefanski added.
“Obviously, Ced is still in concussion protocol, but all the other guys are doing well.” Thornhill was also among the players who were rested against the Bengals after participating in Week 17. Hunt has fought with a groin ailment for the last several weeks but has continued to play. The Browns will have two more practice days this week before they fly to Houston.
