Expect to see rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah back in the lineup for the Cleveland Browns this weekend. After returning to practice and being designated to return from Cleveland’s injured reserve, all signs point to “JOK” making his first appearance since Week 6 in the team’s trip to New England in Week 10.
“Yes, I am very optimistic he can play Sunday,” Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods responded when asked if Owusu-Koramoah will be in the lineup.
The Browns can certainly use him. Owusu-Koramoah proved quite adept in coverage and short-area passing game situations, which is a huge staple of the Patriots offensive scheme. Woods knows his LB’s versatility and broad skillset will be important in New England.
“Speed. Coverage ability. Tackling. Blitzing. Everything. He is a very talented player,” Woods stated. “There may be a little bit of rust, and we will see where he is at as we progress through the week. I think he just adds another dimension to our defense for sure.”
The Browns defense has compensated fairly well since losing Owusu-Koramoah to an ankle injury early in the Week 6 loss to the Cardinals. But getting the multitalented rookie back into the middle of the defense is a huge boon for the critical matchup against the 5-4 Patriots.
