After an emotional loss in Week 2, the Cleveland Browns bounced back this past Sunday with a blowout win over the Tennessee Titans. Cleveland's dominant display showed this team still has what it takes to compete even if Nick Chubb is sidelined.
Considering how good the team has looked during its two victories, there's little reason for the Browns to shake things up in Week 4. With that in mind, here are the familiar names we expect to be inactive against the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns Week 4 Predictions: Inactives vs. Ravens
1. Kahlef Hailassie
It took until the end of September, but cornerback Kahlef Hailassie finally made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans. Hailassie was previously inactive for the team's first two games, but fellow CB Greg Newsome II being sidelined by an elbow injury required some extra depth at the position.
However, Hailassie's debut wasn't much to write home about. He only played in two defensive snaps, good enough for just 4% of the available snaps on defense from that game. The Western Kentucky product didn't even see any special teams usage, which is usually one way bubble players can make an impression. That's especially true of defensive backs, and you're not often going to find one who gets a gameday roster spot when they're not seeing the field for either defense or specials.
Assuming Newsome is back in Week 4, the undrafted rookie will likely be back on the bench. Veterans Martin Emerson and Mike Ford have the backup CB spots locked down behind Newsome and Denzel Ward, so it's simply efficient to waste one of 48 gameday spots on a third-stringer who may not even play.
2. Ronnie Hickman
Another week, another inactive tag for Ronnie Hickman.
The safety got the unexpected call-up in the season-opener with starter Juan Thornhill out because of a calf injury. Hickman enjoyed some decent run, seeing 10 defensive snaps and six on special teams.
However, he didn't log anything in the box score, which leaves the coaching staff with only his practice reps to judge him by. Right now, that has him on the outside looking in at the backup safety spots, which are held down by D'Anthony Bell and Rodney McLeod.
Right now, McLeod is the clear frontrunner among Cleveland's depth options at the position. He's posted at least one solo tackle in every contest, showing the coaching staff he's someone they can depend on. That includes four total tackles (two solo) in the opener when filling in for the injured Thornhill.
The former Super Bowl champ also added to his case by logging a pass breakup in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Touting 12 years of NFL experience, too, he'll be tough to surpass.
Bell, however, is a different story. He's played just three total snaps on defense this year despite being active for all three games, with most of his reps instead being on special teams.
If there's an opportunity for Hickman, it'll likely be there to start. He'll need to show Kevin Stefanski and co. he can contribute in that key area before hoping for a bigger defensive role.
3. Luke Wypler
The Browns took a chance on center Luke Wypler with the No. 190 overall pick in this past draft. Obviously he showed enough in training camp to earn a role on the 53-man active roster,
That being said, the former Ohio St. standout appears to be more of a long-term project for Stefanski's coaching staff.
Wypler hasn't been active for any game yet this season, and that's honestly not much of a surprise. He's currently Cleveland's third-string center, and there's no reason to dress him for game days with Ethan Pocic healthy and a solid backup in Nick Harris waiting in the wings.
The team's offensive line depth has already been tested early this season, though, and Wypler's just a stone's throw away from potentially seeing playing time. After all, both Jack Conklin and Dawson Deaton are on the injured reserve list, while Drew Forbes landed on the sickness/NFI list this preseason. Backup left tackle James Hudson also missed Week 3 due to an ankle injury.
Pocic's recent health record isn't perfect, as he's failed to play more than 13 games in either of the past two seasons. He also struggled with injuries earlier in his career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Knock on wood that Cleveland never needs to make Wypler active, but perhaps the rookie could surprise fans if he does get the call at some point this season.
4. Isaiah McGuire & 5. Siaki Ika
Cleveland's dominant start to the season has been thanks to its incredible turnaround on defense. The team's offseason investments, plus the hiring of Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, has revitalized this unit and boosted the Browns' Super Bowl chances as a result.
Also as a result, this is an incredibly tough group to crack playing time-wise. Not only are there top talents like Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson penciled in as starters, but Cleveland boasts incredible depth behind them with Ogbo Okoronkwo, Alex Wright and Shelby Harris.
That leaves EDGE Isaiah McGuire and DT Siaki Ika as easy inactive decisions. Neither 2023 draft pick has heard their names called yet this season, instead joining Wypler on the bench despite owning a place on the 53-man roster.
Obviously McGuire and Ika would love to make their NFL debuts, but they're going to have to play the waiting game. The defensive front being on top of its game has become even more important to this squad after the loss of Nick Chubb downgraded the offense. That means the coaching staff must play its best players, so the inexperienced McGuire and Ika won't likely be called upon unless this season goes south in a hurry.
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