Crystal Pouncey
Sep 17, 2023 - 07:45

Browns Amari Cooper Unlikely to Play vs. Steelers After Aggravating Groin Injury

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is unlikely to play in Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a groin injury. The Browns will need him to be healthy to boost their passing game and make the playoffs.

In a surprising turn of events, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has been added to the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing sources, has reported that Cooper is unlikely to play. This news comes after head coach Kevin Seifert revealed that Cooper had aggravated his groin during Saturday's workout and will be listed as questionable. The receiver left the field and was examined by the training staff before the practice session ended.

It's worth noting that Cooper's appearance on the injury report earlier this week was solely due to a rest day on Thursday. However, he returned as a full participant in Friday's practice. The Browns acquired Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys in March, trading a 2022 fifth-round pick and swapping 2022 sixth-round picks.

When healthy, Cooper is a key target for the Browns, alongside Donovan Peoples-Jones and Elijah Moore. Last season, he caught 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games. This marked the third time in the last four seasons that he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. In his final season with the Cowboys in 2021, Cooper had 68 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. The previous year, he recorded 92 receptions for 1,114 yards and five touchdowns, securing his fifth 1,000-plus yard season.

Throughout his seven-year career, Cooper has shown durability, appearing in at least 14 games each season. Even in his absence, the Browns have reliable options in Peoples-Jones, Moore, and David Bell. Additionally, they can rely on running back Nick Chubb, who had an impressive 106-yard performance last week.

The Browns kicked off their season with a dominant 24-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. However, Cooper had a relatively quiet game, with just 37 yards on three receptions. If the Browns aim to secure a spot in the playoffs, they will need Cooper and his teammates to stay healthy and contribute to the passing game.