The task of beating a more talented divisional opponent won’t be any easier for the Browns now that Mohamed Massaquoi has officially been ruled out of the game. Earlier this week the Browns seemed at least somewhat hopeful that Massaquoi would be available. Or maybe they wanted the Ravens to think they were hopeful. Either way, he is now out.
Additionally, the Browns will have to play another game without Alex Smith who suffered a concussion somewhere along the line. Most Browns fans weren’t all that excited for the Alex Smith era in Cleveland, and certainly his career as recipient of hand-offs isn’t all that glorious, but there’s just no doubting the Browns miss his blocking and surprisingly good hands. You wouldn’t want to overrate a player like Smith, but he’s become something of an indispensable role player for the Browns.
The absence of these two players should mean additional reps for Jordan Cameron at tight end and Josh Cribbs plus maybe Jordan Norwood at wide receiver. Cribbs has appeared sparingly on offense so far this season and Norwood has been inactive for all regular season action through three games.
[Related: Chris Mortenson reporting deal with NFL referees is “at hand”]
