An unfortunate Week 1 Browns loss has intensified scrutiny on the team’s Deshaun Watson contract, but the former Pro Bowl quarterback was missing key offensive players due to injuries in 2023. The Browns also received some troubling news about other contributors following their loss to the Cowboys.

On Wednesday, the team placed four players on injured reserve. Safety Juan Thornhill, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, linebacker Tony Fields, and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate will all be out for at least four games. Thornhill and Hurst are sidelined with calf and ankle injuries, respectively.

Thornhill is the most prominent name among the group; the former Chiefs starter is a key player for the Browns, having signed a lucrative contract. Despite consistent starts, Thornhill has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, including a significant ACL tear in his rookie season. After Thornhill and fellow starter Grant Delpit played a high percentage of snaps in Week 1, the team faces a defensive challenge following the recent injuries.

In response to the IR placements, the Browns have signed veteran safety Rodney McLeod to provide depth. McLeod, who re-signed with the team this offseason, is expected to play a crucial role in the defense. Defensive tackle Hurst, on the other hand, is facing his third consecutive season on IR due to injury.

With limited injury activations remaining, the Browns will have to carefully consider which players to activate from the IR transactions. In the meantime, they have made roster moves to address the depleted positions and maintain a competitive team for the remainder of the season.