Despite having one of the most injury-plagued rosters in 2023, the Browns (10-5) are in a fantastic position to qualify for the postseason. If they defeat the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 17, the team will secure a postseason berth for the first time since the 2020 campaign.

The fact that Cleveland is even in the running for a playoff place is amazing considering the amount of injuries the team has endured. Kevin Stefanski, the 2020 AP Coach of the Year, is a strong contender to repeat as winner in 2023.

Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending torn MCL in Week 2 of the team’s “Monday Night Football” game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was one of the worst blows to the roster. Deshaun Watson, the starting quarterback, struggled with uneven play and a number of injuries this season before being sidelined for the entire campaign in November with a shoulder issue.

On defence, starting linebacker Anthony Walker has missed the last two games (as well as three of the previous five) due to a knee injury, and starting safety Juan Thornhill hasn’t played since Week 13 due to a calf injury. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, a 28-year-old defensive end, suffered a torn pectoral during that game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14, however he was unable to play the next two weeks due to the injury.

Kicker Dustin Hopkins is in his first NFL season—and probably his best—with the Browns. He is in his ninth season overall. With 33 field goals (in 36 attempts), he leads the league and is perfect (8 for 8) when attempting field goals from at least 50 yards out.

In his sixth season—his second in Cleveland—punter Corey Bojorquez has set career highs in both punt totals (80) and punt yardage (3,959).