If this team responds to losing an all pro center and quality depth by continuing to win, then Pettine should be in line for COTY. Likewise Farmer for GM. That said, unless Rub has a clean bill of health very soon, it's time to being a couple bigger bodies to the active roster and maybe lose a DB or 2.

@tour2ma said:

He played tough :

Pettine said Paul Kruger needed an epidural before the game, which allowed him to play with a lower back issue. Kruger said he had a very painful week after his back locked up on him at practice on Wednesday.

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/8756/browns-brian-hoyer-makes-plays-off-play-action

@mudfly said:

RB Glenn Winston is active.

Winston is supposed to be even more imposing than the other RB's

@londonbrown said:

Im down and think they'll be fine....maybe some hungry players will work to our advantage,,,,

Rubin is out

@tiamat63 said:

Yes. I dont think it's about CB's....it's about pass rush....if Ben has a lot of time, he will connect....

Terrence West is inactive....somethings up there....wonder what....pending trade?....on the shit list?....Winston gets a shot?.....

@jafbf said:

Won't matter if we have the return of Dixon and Minnie - if the front 4 can't apply some pressure.

No sign of Haden

@mudfly said:

I think Dansby brings more attitude and what not, plays more aggresive. But DQ was always solid and smart for us.

Different kinds of MLBs.

@hoorta said:

To me, Dansby is a huge upgrade over Jackson.....he can do so much more, it's not even close......no way would I go back and undo that exchange

@clevfan4life said:

BTW, totally disagree about Jackson. Yeah- in better position to make tackles 10 yards past the LOS. I've seen that act way too many times.

RE: injuries- The only ones definitely out are Winn and Taylor. Rubin isn't even listed on the injury report?

@clevfan4life said:

I think it had to do with the Brawling going on in Tennessee after the "cheap shot".. Chippy game

@manzier said:

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/8678/browns-injury-situation-a-big-concern

I'd say it's a pretty good concern, from the article :

The defensive line situation: Three of the six on the active roster might not play, with two definitely out. The plan already was to have Ismaa’ily Kitchen and John Hughes active -- both have been inactive three of four games -- but if Rubin can’t play, the Browns might have to make a move so they have enough defensive linemen. That would probably involved Jacobbi McDaniel moving up from the practice squad.

The significance: Pittsburgh has one of the best backs in the league in Le’veon Bell. In five games he’s second in the NFL in rushing (460 yards) and total yards from scrimmage (688). The Browns haven’t stopped the run with their starters; now the backups have to do it against an extremely talented player.

Considering some were talking about trading some of our DL, our depth has thinned pretty quick.

LB and DB situation isn't great either

@thenew23 said:

... we're already ranked 31st with no injuries, so it can't really get worse by putting in a few new faces...

Almost exactly what I wrote in my "This Week.." pick.

@jafbf said:

Haden is the most significant name on that list. We should be able to make up for Taylor and Winn being out. I'd assume their giving Rubin a day off to make sure he is healthy enough to play.

We still have Hughes and Kitch who haven't even been active this year (as far as I remember). Kruger might play, but if he doesn't we'll see more A.Bryant and E.Martin in pass-rush scenarios and we'll utilize Robertson and Kirksey in coverage if need be. Could even open the door for Mingo to finally stand out...

We have plenty of depth on D, which is nice. Plus, we're already ranked 31st with no injuries, so it can't really get worse by putting in a few new faces...

@jafbf said:

Of the Defensive players, the two I named are actually doing something.

Perhaps not world beaters, but they're making some plays.

Injury update - add Rubin to the list :

Taylor - out

Winn - Quad

Haden - Hip ?

Kruger - Back ?

Rubin - Ankle ?

@jafbf said:

Id say we are in pretty good shape compared to the rest of the league. We're 1/4 way through the schedule and haven't had a significant injury yet. KNOCK ON WOOD(I know I just did). So even tho I hate to see anyone hurting, I feel the Browns have been extremely blessed so far and these few minor bumps and bruises aren't anything to complain about or be surprised by.(again, compared to the rest of the league, we are a radiant vision of health). All our guys have minor 1-2 weeks type of injuries, which is best case. So dont sweat it too much. This is the NFL. We really are blessed so far.

@clevfan4life said:

CB Gilbert thinks Haden may play (as mentioned in another thread).

Kruger's Back has been changed to General Soreness, so there's a chance he may play.

I believe Rubin was listed as Questionable.

Still, we're pretty banged up.

@jafbf said:

Ya, I just saw that too ... Taylor and Winn are OUT with Kruger(DNP) and Rubin(limited) questionable ... we are going to be thin on that front seven, hopefully they don't tire as the game goes along. Offense needs some long sustained drives to keep them fresh.

Zombo