That bad day in Cleveland has a small sliver of good news. Cornerback Joe Haden, who exited the 30-0 loss to the Bengals with a shoulder injury, apparently won’t be missing the last two chances to climb back into playoff contention.
Per a league source, an MRI revealed that Haden is day-to-day.
With trips to Carolina and Baltimore to end the season, the Browns need to weigh the risk of playing Haden against the potential rewards. The postseason hopes took a major blow on Sunday; it possibly makes sense not to take a chance with Haden’s shoulder, if further injury could impact his preparation for 2015.
Even after Sunday’s outcome, the Browns have a far better chance than anyone envisioned entering the season to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Haden will want to be part of the effort to finish the campaign on the right side of .500 -- and to hope for the help that they’ll need in order to make it to January.
