The Cleveland Browns’ No. 1 ranked defense has a tall task ahead Saturday in their AFC wild-card game against rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
But they’ll be ready now that one of their best defensive players is returning to the lineup.
The Cleveland Browns activated safety Grant Delpit off injured reserve Wednesday, and the fourth-year safety will play against the Texans.
Delpit, selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl this season, started the Cleveland Browns’ first 13 games before suffering a groin injury during their Week 14 game against Jacksonville and was placed on IR shortly thereafter.
Before the injury, Delpit was considered among the top five safeties in the NFL, leading the Cleveland Browns in tackles while adding 1.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Delpit was set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the Browns ended that possibility when they signed him to a three-year contract extension last month.
Related: NFL defense rankings
Cleveland Browns need Delpit to combat Stroud
Delpit’s secondary presence will be vital Saturday against Houston (4:30 p.m. ET). The Browns defeated the Texans, 36-22, during Week 16, yet neither Delpit nor Stroud (concussion protocol) was available for that game.
Stroud has had a record-setting rookie season, establishing new marks for most yards in a single game (470) and the most passing attempts to start an NFL career without throwing an interception.
The Browns’ defense, under coordinator Jim Schwartz, is not only the best overall, but it’s also No. 1 against the pass, and Delpit has been a big reason why.
Cleveland is tied for third in the NFL in interceptions with 18, and with Delpit back, the Browns have a better chance of frustrating Stroud with tight secondary coverage and coming away with a road playoff victory.