(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
If there was ever a game that the Cleveland Browns could pull an upset, this is it.
The 3-2 Green Bay Packers come into Cleveland with an offensive line decimated by injuries. Both starting tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, along with center Jason Spitz, could miss Sunday’s game. Tauscher is listed as out, while Clifton and Spitz are listed as doubtful with ankle and back injuries, respectively.
The Packers also have a showdown with Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, so this is definitely a trap game for them.
T.J. Lang could replace Clifton at left tackle, with Scott Wells filling in for Spitz at center. Allen Barbre will continue to man the right tackle spot.
The Packers will also be without slot receiver Jordy Nelson, who has seven catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. James Jones and his five receptions for 113 yards and a score will replace Nelson.
If quarterback Aaron Rodgers finds enough time to throw, he will have a couple of impressive receivers to find.
Long-time Packer Donald Driver, who is now first on Green Bay’s all-time receptions list, has 25 catches for 395 yards and two touchdowns.
Greg Jennings, who has recently expressed his frustration with not being involved in the offense enough, has 17 catches for 304 yards and a score.
The Browns need to establish running backs Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison. Green Bay is giving up 105.4 yards per game on the ground this season.
Mohammed Massaquoi and whoever starts opposite him, will have a tough time gaining separation from Pro Bowl cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Between the two veteran corners, they have picked off five passes, one for a score. They have also broken up three passes apiece.
Cornerback Eric Wright survived a serious car accident early Friday morning when his Mercedes flipped three times on the highway. He is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury but is expected to play.
A life-changing event such as this could prevent Wright from being 100 percent focused on the game. Backup Mike Adams needs to be ready to fill in for Wright or McDonald, who apparently was playing flag football last weekend against the Steelers.
Rookie David Veikune will get his first chance to show how far he’s come along as he fills in for D’Qwell Jackson, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
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