With Olivier Vernon injured and already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, expect Chad Thomas to get his first career start at defensive end for the Cleveland Browns.
Thomas figures to be the next in line to play in the DE spot opposite Myles Garrett. He has moved well ahead of fellow reserve Chris Smith in snap counts over the last few weeks, getting 18 last week to Smith’s five in Denver. Thomas earned those reps with a solid preseason that showed more dedication to his craft, helping make the more limited Genard Avery expendable via trade.
The second-year pass rusher got a vote of confidence from head coach Freddie Kitchens in his press conference on Friday.
“I think his motor, his passion, his anticipation, his understanding of gap control and where he has to be and where he fits in,” Kitchens said of Thomas. “It is just a matter of doing it every down now.”
Thomas has eight total tackles and one sack (against Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 5). He has big shoes to fill; Vernon has been a force against the run and leads the Browns in QB pressures on the season, even more than NFL sack leader Garrett.
