NFL Week 15 scores, live updates: Inactives, playoff standings, predictions, odds and latest news
CHICAGO — Veteran guard Joel Bitonio and wide receiver Cedric Tillman are active today for the Browns despite having been listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
The Browns had previously ruled out seven players due to injury: tight end David Njoku, cornerback Denzel Ward, guard Wyatt Teller, running back Dylan Sampson, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, defensive tackle Adin Huntington and guard Zak Zinter.
Longtime starting center Ethan Pocic was placed on injured-reserve last week after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Luke Wypler takes over as the starting center with the hopes of being able to become the starter in 2026.
Wypler and right tackle KT Leveston are the only starting Browns offensive linemen today who are signed for 2026. Saturday, the Browns signed rookie guard Garrett Dellinger from the practice squad to the active roster so that Dellinger can serve as a potential backup option at both guard and center today.
It’s the fourth start for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns last week. Sanders has developed a rapport with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the Browns’ leading receiver, and the two rookies have connected on touchdown passes in each of the last two weeks. But with the offensive line injuries and issues, expect the Bears to mix up their looks and blitzes to try to keep Sanders from getting comfortable.
No opposing quarterback is comfortable with Browns defensive end Myles Garrett looming. Last week, Garrett became the 13th player to reach 20 sacks in a season. Garrett enters today just 2.5 short of the NFL’s single-season sack record currently shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
With a clear emphasis on not letting Garrett blow up their game plan, the Titans ran for 184 yards on the Browns last week in Cleveland. Expect a run-heavy plan from the Bears today, too. The Bears totaled 281 rushing yards in a Week 13 upset in Philadelphia and will use both veteran starter D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai heavily.
With the Browns shorthanded at multiple spots, expect Sam Webb to start at cornerback in Ward’s place and veteran defensive tackle Maurice Hurst to see time also. Hurst was signed to the practice squad last week and elevated on Saturday. As expected, rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham is active despite dealing with a rib injury.
