When the Cleveland Browns play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, cornerback Greg Newsome will be out of the lineup.

Due to a groin injury, Newsome is ruled out of the Week 9 game against the Cardinals. Fortunately, Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr., two excellent cornerbacks, are still with the Browns. This season, Newsome has played on 80% of the defensive snaps for the Browns.

It will hurt if we don’t have Greg, as he is a tremendous player, Ward stated on Thursday, November 2, before Newsome was declared out. “But players, like Cam Mitchell or Mike Ford, are going to stand up and show that they are more than capable of going out there, making plays, and taking down their opponent. And if that’s the case, it’s just next man up. And I believe we’ll still get along well.

In 2021, the Browns selected Newsome in the first round of the draft. He has had 32 starts and has been reliable. However, with Emerson’s rise to prominence and his two interceptions this season, he has seen his job somewhat altered and has been eclipsed.

Despite playing mostly inside last year, Newsome was not content with his job. He has, nevertheless, been pleased with Jim Schwartz’s revamped defense and has been one of the team’s more outspoken leaders when it comes to establishing the team’s culture.

Wide receiver David Bell (knee) and defensive end Alex Wright (knee) have also been ruled out.

Rookie Cameron Mitchell Will Have Larger Role Against Cardinals

With Newsome out, the Browns will turn to rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell to fill in as the nickel back. He’s played sparingly this year but the Browns have liked what they’ve seen out of the 22-year-old.

“He’s given us some good reps already, and obviously he’s been ready in a pinch if need be, but very smart player, plays with a savviness of that young players,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “When you play nickel, you have to understand route combinations and run blocking, and I think he’s got a really good feel for that for a young player.”