Browns' Jerry Jeudy may get bigger role if Boston sits vs Texans
Jerry Jeudy would take on more work for the Browns if rookie Denzel Boston is limited against the Texans, while Emmanuel McNeil-Warren makes his first start at safety.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy would take on a bigger workload against the Houston Texans if rookie Denzel Boston (toe) cannot play or is limited. Boston is questionable. Rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren also steps in as a starter because Ronnie Hickman has a concussion.
Key facts
- Denzel Boston, who has a toe injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
- Boston leads NFL rookies with 507 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
- Jeudy had a key 30-yard catch last week against the Saints.
- Safety Ronnie Hickman was ruled out with a concussion.
- McNeil-Warren has 42 tackles and three pass breakups this season.
What happens to Jeudy if Boston can't play?
Boston returned to practice after missing two days, was limited and is questionable to face the Texans at Huntington Bank Field. He left the locker room in a walking boot, which can be a precaution. Coach Todd Monken said Boston moved around pretty well and that his progress is "trending in the right way".
If Boston cannot go, or is limited, veteran Jerry Jeudy would take on a bigger workload. "Hopefully he do play and hopefully he's healthy," Jeudy said. Jeudy made a key 30-yard catch last week against the Saints.
Boston leads NFL rookies with 507 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, and is tied for fourth with 32 catches.
Asked #Browns S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren about gearing up to start in place of Ronnie Hickman on Sunday:
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 13, 2026
"It feels good just to hear your name called, just be ready to step up when one of your teammates is down. Go out there, execute, play good, try to get a win for the team." pic.twitter.com/VMOXzm1XX1
Who replaces Ronnie Hickman at safety?
Hickman was ruled out Friday with a concussion after not practising all week. Rookie second-round pick Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will start alongside Grant Delpit, with Daniel Thomas likely to take the third safety role. McNeil-Warren has started three games this year as the third safety, but this is his first start in the base defense.
"It feels good just to hear your name called, just be ready to step up when one of your teammates is down," McNeil-Warren said. Delpit said: "E-Man, time to shine". The Toledo product has 42 combined tackles, three for a loss, and three pass breakups. His season high of 54 snaps came in Week 6 when Delpit left the win over Baltimore with a head injury.
What do the Texans look like?
Houston ruled out linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (personal), end Danielle Hunter (hamstring), receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (hamstring) and left guard Keylan Rutledge (neck/shoulder). End Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), who leads the league with 9.5 sacks, is questionable. Quarterback C.J. Stroud leads the passing attack the Browns safeties must handle.
Frequently asked questions
Will Jerry Jeudy play a bigger role against the Texans?
He would if Denzel Boston cannot play or is limited, according to BrownsZone.
Is Denzel Boston playing?
He is questionable with a toe injury, and Monken said his progress is trending in the right way.
Why is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren starting?
Ronnie Hickman was ruled out with a concussion.
Who do the Browns play on Sunday?
The Houston Texans, at Huntington Bank Field.
