Cooper Likely Out vs Steelers Per Report

The Cleveland Browns will likely be without number one wide receiver Amari Cooper in a big matchup against their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The game is set to kickoff at 8:15 p.m. from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Monday night.

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cooper will likely be watching this one from the sideline after suffering a groin injury during practice on Saturday.

Browns’ WR Amari Cooper, who aggravated a groin injury at practice Saturday and is listed as questionable for Monday night, is considered unlikely to play vs. the Steelers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2023

Immediately afterward the team designated his status as questionable for the game on the final injury report. While the full details of the injury haven’t been disclosed, there is concern that this could keep him out for multiple games. Cooper had a groin injury that he played through last year at the end of the season and required surgery in the offseason.

Losing a key player to injury is never ideal but perhaps the bigger issue is needing to adjust a game plan that you have practiced the entire week for at the last minute. "I would tell you if we are without Amari, we will adjust," Stefanski said after practice. Now may be the time for rookie wide receiver Cedric Tillman to step in to fill the void left by missing Cooper.

As one of the best pure route runners in football his presence will be sorely missed. He and quarterback Deshaun Watson put in a tremendous amount of effort to develop chemistry in the offseason and training camp. The duo had been connecting for big plays throughout training camp and even produced a huge one for 52 yards during the preseason finale against the Chiefs.