Following Deshaun Watson's injury, Cedric Tillman was in the form of his career. The second-year wide receiver became Jameis Winston's favorite target and has set new career highs in every major statistical category.
However, a head injury sustained during the Browns' 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 8 curtailed his progress. Let's examine Tillman's availability ahead of Week 16.
Cedric Tillman's injury update
According to CBS Sports, Cedric Tillman was limited in Thursday's training session. The Tennessee Volunteers product still deals with the lingering effects of a significant hit received from Patrick Queen.
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Tillman hasn't featured since Week 12 because he's yet to clear the league's mandatory five-step concussion protocol. He'll still have the chance to prove his fitness since the Browns have a training session on Friday ahead of their Sunday showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It's important to note that Tillman isn't the only member of the Browns dealing with a lingering injury issue. Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett hasn't featured in practice throughout the week due to a back injury. Defensive tackle Shelby Harris hasn't practiced, too, because of an elbow injury.
Furthermore, starting tight end David Njoku is dealing with a hamstring injury. All three players are essential to how the Browns play, and it'll be important to monitor them as Sunday's not far away.
How has Cedric Tillman performed this season?
Cedric Tillman has been decent in his second season at the professional level. The Tennessee product has the ideal size for a wide receiver, and he's using his physical gifts admirably in Kevin Stefanski's offense.
Tillman has amassed a stat line of 29 receptions, 339 receiving yards, and the first three touchdowns of his NFL career. Tillman achieved all of this in just 11 games, and he looks capable of doing more if the offense runs through him.
The Browns haven't been good this season, and it's a major letdown considering how they performed in 2023. Entering Week 16, the Browns have a 3-11 record and have only recorded wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The frustrating thing about the Browns' season is that two of their wins were against some of the league's best teams. Hence, it begs the question of how they're in a prime position in the Shedeur Sanders and Cameron Ward sweepstakes. They'll be looking to end their three-game losing streak when they make the trip to Cincinnati to face off against the playoff-chasing Bengals.
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