Player Updates
Myles Garrett
DE / Cleveland Browns
Garrett sustained a dislocated toe while participating in Sunday's Pro Bowl Games, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis:
Garrett was named to the Pro Bowl for the third year in a row after tying his career high for sacks in 2022 with 16. However, it appears the 27-year-old dislocated his toe at some point while participating in the NFL's updated Pro Bowl format, as he was seen limping off the field during Sunday's events, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. This issue should not prove overly severe given that immediate X-rays on Garrett's injured toe did come back negative, per Cabot. It will still be worth monitoring for potential updates on the defensive end's status heading into the Browns' offseason program this spring.
Martin Emerson Jr.
CB / Cleveland Browns
Emerson had four tackles and two passes defensed in a 28-14 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 18.
Analysis:
The Browns drafted a good one when they selected Emerson in the third round of the 2022 draft. The rookie appeared in all 17 games, tied for the lead among team cornerbacks with 15 passes defensed and graded out as the best in coverage, per Pro Football Focus. He'll resume his role in the rotation next season.
Denzel Ward
CB / Cleveland Browns
Ward (shoulder) had one tackle and played just 10 snaps in a 28-14 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 18.
Analysis:
Ward entered the game with a shoulder injury and was unable to get past the first few series. He finished the season with 53 tackles, two fumbles recovered and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns, over 14 games. For fantasy purposes, it was a nice season. However, Pro Football Focus graded him a career-low 60.4 in coverage, last among Cleveland's defensive backs. He'll enter next season as the Browns' top corner in what should be a team strength despite a number of breakdowns in 2022.
Myles Garrett
DE / Cleveland Browns
Garrett made seven tackles, including a sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in a 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.
Analysis:
The sack was Garrett's 16th, tying the personal mark for sacks in a single season he set in 2021. He played through injury but only missed one game following his involvement in an automobile accident leading up to Week 4. It was a shoulder injury and lingered a bit, but Garrett remained productive. He's been available for 33 of 34 games the last two years, and, at age 26 next season, Garrett is still in his prime and should continue to be a dominant presence.
Nate McCrary
RB / Cleveland Browns
McCrary signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on Wednesday, Chad Krispinsky of WKBN.com reports.
Analysis:
McCrary opened training camp with the Ravens, but he then found his way to Carolina after not making the team's initial 53-man roster. He was then cut by the Panthers though Dec. 13 and remained a free agent. He'll work to earn a role in Cleveland next season.
John Johnson III
S / Cleveland Browns
Johnson recorded five tackles in a 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.
Analysis:
Johnson ended his second season with the Browns with one interception and 101 tackles, second most behind fellow safety Grant Delpit (105). The Browns' defense was the subject of discussion following losses, some of which featured breakdowns on the back end. As a result of the issues on defense, the Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Johnson, who has one year left on his deal, is expected to return next season, but much depends on the new DC brought in to run that side of the ball.
