SAN DIEGO -- The Cleveland Browns will face Philip Rivers and his trio of receivers without two of their top three cornerbacks.
Joe Haden was deemed inactive prior to the game due to finger and rib injuries. Nickelback K’Waun Williams also is out with a concussion.
San Diego does not have three starters on the offensive line, as they will have backups at left tackle, left guard and center.
The game could come down to how well the Browns pressure Rivers, who ranked fifth in the league coming into today with 890 passing yards. Rivers is completing 74.5 percent, and has a rating of 100.5.
The move with Haden was a bit of a surprise. He clearly was in discomfort Friday when he met the media, but he talked about fighting through -- especially given it was Rivers the Browns are facing.
The ripple effect could put Justin Gilbert on the field more, but the Browns last week went to safety Jordan Poyer as their fourth corner. It’s possible Poyer could play nickelback as well and cover the slot receiver.
That is a significant matchup, given the Chargers have Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd and Stevie Johnson at receiver.
The Browns are without four defensive starters in Haden, defensive lineman Desmond Bryant (shoulder) and linebackers Scott Solomon (ankle) and Craig Robertson (ankle).
Consider Williams being out as well, and the Browns' situation with injuries may have a greater effect on the game than the Chargers.
