CLEVELAND (AP) - The Cleveland Browns will be missing eight starters and their entire first-team secondary for a prime-time matchup against the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.
Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams are out with hamstring injuries and safeties Morgan Burnett (quadriceps) and Damarious Randall (concussion) are inactive. Also, the Browns will be without right tackle Chris Hubbard (foot) and wide receiver Rashard Higgins (knee).
Earlier this week, tight end David Njoku (broken wrist) and linebacker Christian Kirksey (chest) were placed on injured reserve. Kirksey may still need season-ending surgery.
Linebacker Adarious Taylor (ankle) is active but not starting.
Veteran cornerbacks T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell will start along with safeties Eric Murray and Jermaine Whitehead. Rookie linebacker Mack Wilson takes over for Kirksey and Justin McCray will fill in for Hubbard.
Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play after being listed as questionable during the week with a back issue.
Los Angeles will be without starting right guard Austin Blythe and tight end Tyler Higbee.
Inactives for Sunday night’s game:
Rams: WR Nsimba Webster, CB David Long Jr., LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, RG Austin Blythe, T Bobby Evans, TE Tyler Higbee, DT Greg Gaines.
Browns: CB Denzel Ward, S Damarious Randall, CB Greedy Williams, S Morgan Burnett, T Kendall Lamm, T Chris Hubbard, WR Rashard Higgins.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Please read our comment policy before commenting.