Who Should I Start? MJ Emerson or Damarri Mathis

Wednesday, July 30, 11:19 AM

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (Achilles) will require surgery to repair his ruptured left Achilles and will miss the 2025 season, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It's a rough blow for the fourth-year corner, who will be a free agent at season's end. Emerson Jr. had only missed one game across his first three NFL seasons, racking up 62 solo tackles, four interceptions, and 34 passes defensed. He had been projected to be Cleveland's starting nickel corner heading into 2025. Without Emerson Jr., the Browns will likely turn to veterans Tony Brown II and Nik Needham to fill the hole in their secondary.

Sunday, August 25, 6:46 PM

Denver Broncos defensive back Damarri Mathis (ankle) was removed early during Sunday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Mathis had to be carted off the field after suffering what looked to be a bad ankle injury during Sunday's game. The assumption is that the Broncos will have Mathis undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. At the moment, it's uncertain if Mathis will be ready to play in the regular season opener. That being said, Riley Moss would likely be the next man up to start alongside Patrick Surtain, assuming Mathis misses time. The absence of Mathis would certainly be a hit to the Broncos secondary.