Antonio Callaway returns to Cleveland Browns from suspension just as they lose another receiver to injury
Antonio Callaway is set to return to the Cleveland Browns after serving his 4-game drug suspension. Callaway had also been recovering from a high ankle sprain he suffered in training camp and unlike Kareem Hunt, was allowed access to the team's medical staff during the suspension.
As a result, the hope is that Callaway is not only healthy, but in shape and ready to step back in and contribute as the Browns could use another receiving weapon, especially since Jarvis Landry is likely to miss at least a week with a concussion he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens. The team has also been missing Rashard Higgins, who has been dealing with a knee injury the past three weeks.
Callaway was impressive down the stretch the final six games of last year and was a stand out performer in OTA's before his play dropped off precipitously in training camp. It was then the positive test was revealed. Those two things could be related, so if Callaway is back to playing confidently, it could be a big addition to the Browns lineup.
Callaway gives the Browns something they've been missing in their lineup to this point; a receiver with bulk and power. His speed is impressive as well, but Callaway's ability to create and own space with his strength was something the Browns simply didn't have on the boundary.
Whether it was slants or other quick hitters to the middle of the field, Callaway was a threat to break open the game with his speed when it was open or fight for extra yardage through traffic. He and Baker Mayfield had developed some chemistry last year and Mayfield trusted him in a lot of situations, including after plays broke down and they were in the scramble drill.
Callaway can be a really nice cog in the offense if he can get back to where he was, but the suspension highlights the fact that as talented as he is, the Browns simply can't trust him. There's a sense with Callaway that you should enjoy him while you can, because his track record suggests he may not be on the field very long before he gets suspended again.
In the meantime, without Landry and the status of Higgins still up in the air, the Browns receivers could amount to Odell Beckham, Callaway and Damion Ratley for their game against the San Francisco 49ers.
