Denzel Boston returned to practice Friday, but the Cleveland Browns’ leading receiver was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot two days before the team’s game against the Houston Texans. Boston missed practice Wednesday and Thursday while dealing with a toe injury and is officially listed as questionable.
The boot may have been precautionary, but it leaves uncertainty about Boston’s availability. Head coach Todd Monken offered a positive update after the rookie returned to practice, saying Boston “moved around pretty good” and that the injury was “trending in the right way.” Monken had initially expected Boston to return Thursday, but the receiver missed another practice before taking part Friday.
“Definitely feel better,” Boston said Thursday. “Trending up.”
## Boston Has Become a Key Browns Target
Boston leads Cleveland with 507 receiving yards through nine games, along with three touchdowns on 32 catches. His 15.8 yards per reception have given the offense a downfield option.
The second-round pick had his most productive game of the season against New Orleans, catching six passes for 98 yards in a 23-22 overtime loss. A 60-yard reception from Shedeur Sanders in the third quarter helped spark the passing game after Cleveland had managed just 38 yards through the first half. Rookie teammate KC Concepcion later caught a 64-yard touchdown, and Harold Fannin Jr. scored from 39 yards in overtime.
Boston’s availability would give Cleveland another option as Deshaun Watson returns to the starting lineup. If Boston cannot play, Jerry Jeudy, Malachi Corley and speedy receiver Isaiah Bond could take on larger roles.
## Watson Returns Against His Former Team
Monken named Watson the starter Wednesday after Sanders played against New Orleans. Watson had cleared concussion protocol but was inactive for that game after missing the team’s practice reps beforehand.
In eight starts, Watson has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The Browns went 5-3 in those games, and Watson helped lead five fourth-quarter go-ahead drives.
Watson has also supported Boston through the rookie’s mistakes, including a route error against Tennessee that resulted in an interception. Boston said Watson’s response helped him understand the play better.
“He came to me, took it as a coaching point and just let me understand the game a little more in that aspect of the time and throw and where I need to be,” Boston said. “I think it’s helped a lot.”
Cleveland hosts Houston on Sunday, then has a Week 11 bye. The Browns return home afterward for games against the Raiders, Bengals and Falcons.
