The Browns are one game away from the conclusion of the 2024 season, as they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in Week 18.
While Cleveland has been eliminated from playoff contention, it will have the chance to spoil Baltimore's chances of winning the AFC North. If the Browns defeat the Ravens in Week 18 and the Steelers beat the Bengals, the Ravens will finish second in the division and the Steelers will win the AFC North.
With one final chance to gain momentum going into the offseason, here are the top news and notes heading into Week 18.
No decision on a starting quarterback in Week 18
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he had not yet determined his plan for who would start at quarterback in Week 18. While QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson started the previous two games, Stefanski said there was potential to play both Thompson-Robinson and QB Bailey Zappe in the season finale.
Zappe was signed to the Browns' active roster off Kansas City's practice squad on Oct. 22 and has not appeared in a game this season. In Weeks 16 and 17, he served as the backup quarterback while Winston was the team's emergency third quarterback.
"Ultimately, Bailey has been a guy that got here, and we haven't seen him in a game just yet. Dorian is a young player who's using all these reps to get better," Stefanski said. "So, there's a scenario where we (play both), but I want to make sure we get through the week before making the final determination."
Stefanski said he envisioned QB Jameis Winston being the emergency third quarterback in Week 18 as he continues to work through a shoulder injury.
WR Jerry Jeudy, who has not spent much time receiving passes from Zappe in practice, said he has been impressed with what he's seen from the third-year quarterback – who set the FBS single-season records in 2021 with 5,967 passing yards, with 5,967 and 62 passing touchdowns.
"He's got a great arm," Jeudy said. "I know what he did in college, he broke all the records. I've seen him a little bit when he was at the Patriots. He's a great passer, great at reading defenses."
Stefanski said he would provide an update on his plans for quarterback towards the end of the week ahead of the Browns' game on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Check out photos of players warming up for a game against the Miami Dolphins
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81), Wide receiver James Proche II (11), and Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end James Houston (96) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Reflecting on Mike Vrabel's impact
Veteran head coach Mike Vrabel spent the 2024 season with the Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant. Stefanski said today that Vrabel's contract had been adjusted to allow him to get a "head start" on interviewing for available head coaching positions.
Vrabel often worked with the tight ends and offensive line during practice, at times putting on blocking pads and going through reps against players.
"Coach Vrabes is one of my favorites," Stefanski said. "Just a rock-solid human. He was a great help to this football team, a great help to me, a great help to our scout team defense. He's going to do great. (…) I think a team will be lucky to have him."
Vrabel spent 14 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL, winning three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots in 2001, 2003 and 2004. Before joining the Browns, he spent six seasons as the Titans head coach.
Play-by-play action shots from the Cleveland Browns' Week 17 NFL game vs. the Miami Dolphins
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57), Defensive end Sam Kamara (92), and Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) and Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field.
Injury updates
Two days after both RB Jerome Ford and RB Pierre Strong Jr. sustained injuries in Week 17 against the Dolphins, the Browns signed RB John Kelly Jr. to the active roster.
"There's a familiarity with John," Stefanski said. "Knowing the system, knowing his skillset, his strengths – those are important as you're trying to get ready on a short week."
Both Ford and Strong, however, have not been ruled out for Week 18. Ford sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter against the Dolphins, but returned to the game for one snap in the second half. Strong is currently in concussion protocol.
Stefanski said that he will work through the variety of injuries, including to Ford and Strong, but did not rule any players out. Stefanski included TE David Njoku, who missed Week 17 with a knee injury, in the group of players who have a chance to play this week.
One player who will not be active for the Browns' final game of the season is WR Cedric Tillman, who was placed on the injured reserve with a concussion. Tillman suffered the concussion in Week 12 against the Steelers and had been inactive for each of the following five games.
Stefanski said that he expected Tillman to be "ready to roll" next season despite the IR designation. In his second season, Tillman put together his best performance as a pro, finishing with 29 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns – all career highs.
"Certainly, disappointed for Ced. He was playing well there until he was injured, which was a shame," Stefanski said. "His opportunities grew as his playing time increased and he was out there, so he'll work real hard. I think he's certainly a young player that can continue to improve and that'll be a big part of this offseason for him."
