Receivers help Raiders open up their running game for the first time this season
The Las Vegas Raiders found unlikely sources Sunday when it came to finally establishing a running gameSEPTEMBER 30•ASSOCIATED PRESS
David Njoku - To resume practicing this weekBrowns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he expects Njoku (ankle) to get back on the practice field this week, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
ImpactStefanski declined to state whether he expects Njoku to actually suit up Week 5 against the Commanders, but it's at least encouraging that the athletic tight end is on track to get back on the practice field. Njoku missed last Friday's practice before being ruled out for a third straight contest, despite having logged a limited session Thursday. Jordan Akins has handled the Browns' starting tight end gig for three consecutive games with Njoku sidelined, securing six of 10 targets for 49 yards (zero touchdowns) in that span.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
Nyheim Hines - Getting close to returnHines (knee) is expected to be designated to return from the non-football injury list this week, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ImpactHines has been out of action since last summer when he suffered an ACL tear after being hit by a jet ski. However, once he's designated to return, he'll be able to practice with the team, which should happen this week, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. It's unlikely, considering the time the NC State product has missed, that he would play as soon as Sunday against the Commanders, but he'll be able to continue getting back up to speed with the team for three weeks before needing to be placed on the 53-man roster.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
Martin Emerson Jr. - Clears protocolHead coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday that Emerson has cleared concussion protocol, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
ImpactThe 24-year-old was diagnosed with a concussion after the Browns' Week 4 loss to the Raiders, but it now appears he's already moved past the issue. Emerson has accumulated 24 total tackles and two passes defended across Cleveland's first four contests, and he's expected to continue locking down opposing wide receivers now that he's past his concussion.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
Jordan Hicks - Day-to-day with elbow issueHead coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday that Hicks is considered day-to-day with an elbow injury, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
ImpactHicks played through elbow and rib injuries after being listed as questionable in the Browns' Week 4 loss to the Raiders, but he left Sunday's contest due to aggravation of his elbow issue in the second quarter. The 32-year-old linebacker's practice participation during the week will provide a better indication of his potential Week 5 availability.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
Ethan Pocic - Day-to-day with ankle issueHead coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday that Pocic is considered day-to-day with an ankle injury, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
ImpactCleveland's top center exited and returned to the Browns' Week 4 loss to the Raiders due to an ankle injury, and following Stefanski's comments Monday, it appears Pocic avoided a serious issue. The 29-year-old's practice participation during the week will provide a better indication of his potential availability in Week 5, as the Browns take on the Commanders.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
Nick Chubb - Slated to practice WednesdayBrowns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he expects Chubb (knee, PUP list) to have his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday and to be on the field in some capacity, Scott P...
ImpactChubb currently remains on the reserve/PUP list due to a severe left knee injury sustained Week 2 of last season, so it will be highly encouraging to see him ready to resume practicing at his earliest possible eligible date. Once officially designated to return, Cleveland will have 21 days to evaluate Chubb at practice, throughout which span he'll be eligible to return to the active roster at any time. That makes Sunday's road game against the Commanders the earliest tentative date Chubb could be eligible to return to game action, though it seems more likely that the veteran running back will be brought along cautiously. Jerome Ford will continue to lead Cleveland's backfield until Chubb is fully cleared, with D'Onta Forman available behind him on the depth chart.
SEPTEMBER 30•ROTOWIRE
