Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater reportedly expected to start Thursday vs. Browns
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgwater is dealing with several injuries, but he's reportedly going to start Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. According to James Palmer of NFL Network, Bridgewater's injuries have affected him less and less as the week has gone on.
#broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater who is questionable (foot and quad) is expected to start tonight per source. He’s been moving better as the week has progressed I’m told.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 21, 2021
Bridgewater's had a rough go of things lately. He suffered a concussion in Week 4 and couldn't play in the second half of the game. He returned in Week 5, but suffered a foot injury near the end of Week 6's game when he was stepped on by one of his own teammates. He was listed as questionable earlier this week, but with a new quad injury added to the pile. It's not clear how Bridgwater hurt his thigh.
Browns also banged up, but could get Landry back
While Bridgwater may be playing, that doesn't mean he's healed. He'll likely be playing through pain, something that Browns backup quarterback Case Keenum won't have to do.
Keenum, who spent the 2018 season as the Broncos' starting quarterback, is stepping in for Baker Mayfield, who is dealing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Mayfield wasn't ruled out as the starter until Wednesday, when the Browns determined that he simply wouldn't be ready to play with such a quick turnaround from Sunday to Thursday.
Keenum should have one major weapon in his arsenal that Mayfield has been without: Jarvis Landry. According to Palmer, the wide receiver is expected to be activated off injured reserve in time for Thursday's game.
For the #browns WR Jarvis Landry should probably be activated off IR today per sources. If that officially happens expect him to play. For OBJ, he has a significant shoulder injury. I’m told it’s an uphill battle to go tonight, but don’t rule him out completely just yet.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 21, 2021
Landry has been out since he injured his knee on the second play of the game in Week 2.
The Browns are 2.5-point favorites at BetMGM on Thursday night with a game total of 41.