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David Njoku is considered day to day with a hamstring injury | News and Notes

Browns face Chiefs in Week 15, who lead the league in third-down conversion percentage

News and Notes 12.11

The Browns will return home for one of their final two home games of the season when they host the Chiefs in Week 15.

The defending Super Bowl champions present a challenge on all three sides of the ball for the Browns. The Chiefs allow an average of 19.4 points per game – which ranks seventh in the league – while they score an average of 23.7 points per game – tied for 11th in the league.

"It's a well-designed scheme with a lot of players have a ton of good experience in those schemes," head coach Kevin Stefanksi said.

Here are the top pieces of news and notes heading into Week 15.

Importance of third down situations against the Chiefs

The Chiefs lead the league in third-down conversion percentage this season, converting 93 of 179 – or 52 percent – of their third-down situations. Defensively, the Browns allow just 35.9 percent on third-down conversions this season, which ranks 11th in the league. They have only given up 61 third-down conversions and forced teams into three-and-out situations over the course of the season.

Stefanski said their success on third downs stems from not only the talent of QB Patrick Mahomes and TE Travis Kelce, but also the design of their schemes.

"They have speed receivers," Stefanski said. "They have possession receivers. The quarterback does an outstanding job getting through his progressions, throwing accurate balls. He can extend plays, as we all know. So, they present all sorts of challenges."

Signing K Riley Patterson to the practice squad

The Brown signed K Riley Patterson to the practice squad on Dec. 10. Patterson spent time with the Browns during the 2023 season, and appeared in two games, converting his only field goal attempt and six of seven points after touchdowns.

Yet, Stefanski reiterated even with the signing of Patterson to the practice squad, K Dustin Hopkins remains their kicker.

"The thought process just bringing in Riley, a guy that we know, was in here last year. We'll work through all those types of decisions. Don't have a final decision. Dustin is our kicker, but we'll work through all that," Stefanski said. "Dustin's a guy that I trust. He's a veteran that's been through a lot in his career, and he will work through this. We'll work through this one together."

Injury Updates

TE David Njoku did not practice on Wednesday, as Stefanski said he is day to day with a hamstring injury.

Stefanski said WR Cedric Tillman, who sustained a concussion in Week 12 against the Steelers and missed the last two games, is progressing, and should be a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.

DT Mike Hall Jr., who was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 16 with a knee injury, was designated for return on Dec. 11. Stefanski said that reps for Hall could be important for him whenever he is able to take the field.

Stefanski also said he would expect CB Myles Harden to return this week. Harden was designated for return to practice on Nov. 27 but has not been activated and did not play in the Week 13 or Week 14.

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