Raheim Sanders and Tytus Howard listed as questionable as Browns host the Jets

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with a pair of late injury questions as they prepare for a game against the New York Jets. According to the team, running back Raheim Sanders is listed as questionable to return after a hip injury, and right tackle Tytus Howard is also questionable with a knee injury.

In practical terms, both tags matter because they touch two of the Browns’ most important roles. Sanders is a core part of their rushing attack and a frequent outlet in the offense. Howard, meanwhile, anchors the right side of the offensive line, where pass protection and run blocking integrity are both essential.

The team’s report frames both players as “questionable to return,” which means the decision will hinge on how they respond during the game and, potentially, in warmups or pregame evaluation. Until they are officially cleared to play, the Browns would be forced to adjust their backfield and offensive line rotations.

For Sanders, an in-game return designation often indicates that the coaching staff will balance his effectiveness with the risk of aggravating the injury. If he cannot return, Cleveland’s rushing workload would need to shift to the next available back and to how the offense parcels out carries between run and pass plays.

Howard’s knee injury raises a different set of concerns. Tackle play influences both pass protection angles and edge run defense, and a knee limitation can affect footwork and leverage at the line. If he is unable to return, Cleveland would likely rely on depth at tackle and may also adjust protection schemes to compensate for any personnel differences.

The Browns will have to manage these questions without overreacting, because the “questionable to return” label typically reflects that game-day decisions are still possible. The safest path for teams in these situations is usually a careful, play-by-play assessment rather than an all-or-nothing approach.

As Cleveland closes in on the Jets, the key storyline to watch is not only whether Sanders and Howard can return, but how the Browns’ offensive rhythm holds up if one or both do not. In a matchup where execution depends on protection and established running threats, these injury decisions could shape the balance of the entire game.