The Cleveland Browns were able to clinch a playoff spot in Week 17 with their victory over the New York Jets. This has been a special season for the Browns, who have overcome a lot of obstacles to get to this point.
The biggest obstacle has been injuries to key players on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, running back Nick Chubb and left tackle Jack Conklin all suffered season-ending injuries, but the team didn’t let that stop them from finding success.
The latest player to be dealing with an injury on the team is wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper suffered a heel injury during his record-setting performance in Week 16 against the Houston Texans.
NFL News & Rumors: Amari Cooper & Cleveland Browns Updates
He caught 11 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns in the game but was unable to get into the lineup against the Jets. Cooper tested things out pregame, but it was determined he was not healthy enough to play.
His status for the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals is up in the air as well. But, being healthy for Wild Card Weekend is what the Browns are most concerned about. By all accounts, Coopers should be ready to go for that game.
“Browns Amari Cooper (heel) says he’s getting better every day, expects to be good to go for playoffs. Happy to rest this weekend,” wrote Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com.
The extra week of rest should do Cooper wonders. That is the benefit of clinching a spot early and having the luxury of resting players in the season finale should the coaching staff opt to go in that direction.
NFL News & Rumors: Amari Cooper & Cleveland Browns Updates
Cooper has developed excellent chemistry with Joe Flacco, who took over as the team’s starting quarterback in Week 13 and hasn’t looked back. He has helped steady an offense that was struggling to consistently produce without Watson in the lineup.
On the season, Cooper has caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. He earned the fifth Pro Bowl nod of his career and is the first Browns player to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in franchise history.
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