Safety Grant Delpit exited the game in the fourth quarter with a head injury and was evaluated for a concussion.
He was visibly frustrated about being removed from the field. Before his departure, Delpit recorded six tackles and was particularly effective against the run.
Cornerback Denzel Ward also missed critical moments of the game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski later explained that Delpit had been cleared to return, while Ward was sidelined due to cramping. However, given the Browns’ slim playoff chances, it seemed unwise to risk further injuries, especially in a close game.
Ward faced challenges during the game, struggling to contain wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Sutton, who was targeted nine times, finished with six receptions for 102 yards and also drew a pass interference call against Ward.
Defensively, the Browns underperformed by their usual standards. They failed to register a single sack and struggled to deliver key stops. While 14 of the 41 points they allowed came from offensive turnovers returned for touchdowns, their overall effort was lacking.
