The Cleveland Browns are not only dealing with what is expected to be a quarterback change, but a few roster adjustments due to injuries and poor performance as well. The Browns schedule is a unique one
this week, with the team practicing on Wednesday afternoon in Berea, then getting on a plane and flying overnight to London after practice.
Cleveland will only practice once while in London, on Friday, while also being involved in a couple of youth events, as well.
Their Week 5 opponents, the Minnesota Vikings, are already in London, having played Week 4 in Ireland. Like the Browns, the Vikings are dealing with their own set of injuries. Three starting offensive linemen seem unlikely to play this week, with Donovan Jackson out after wrist surgery and Brian Kelly departing last week’s game with a concussion. Brian O’Neill hurt his MCL against the Pittsburgh Steelers and will not practice this week either.
That means Minnesota is likely to be without their starting right tackle, left guard and center against Cleveland’s talented front four.
The Vikings will also be without a key defender, but there is now a chance that QB JJ McCarthy could return this week:
Given the wording from the team, it is more likely that QB Carson Wentz continues to get the start for Minnesota against Cleveland, but McCarthy practicing opens up the question. Given the state of the Vikings offensive line and the Browns pass rush, it seems likely Minnesota will play it safe with their youngster and allow the veteran Wentz to take the snaps this week.
