Browns Announce Inactives for Week 16 vs. the Bills

Key roster moves could shape the outcome of the high-stakes matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:04am

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes that convey the intensity and strategy of the sport.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic complexity and high stakes of the Browns-Bills matchup, where key roster decisions could shape the outcome.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have announced their inactive players for their Week 16 game against the Buffalo Bills, including notable names like tight end David Njoku and guard Wyatt Teller. The team has also made several roster adjustments, elevating players from the practice squad and placing tackle Jack Conklin on injured reserve. These decisions could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, sparking debates among fans and analysts.

Why it matters

In the NFL, every roster decision can be crucial, especially in high-stakes games like this one between the Browns and Bills. The inactive players and roster changes revealed by the Browns could signal strategic moves, injury concerns, or a desire to rest key players for the playoffs. Understanding these decisions can provide valuable insights into the team's overall approach and how it might affect the game's outcome.

The details

The Browns have listed the following players as inactive for the game against the Bills: cornerback Denzel Ward, running back Dylan Sampson, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., guard Wyatt Teller, wide receiver Jamari Thrash, tight end David Njoku, and defensive tackle Sam Kamara. To fill some of these gaps, the team has elevated defensive tackle Keith Cooper Jr. and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II from the practice squad, and signed safety Christopher Edmonds to the active roster. Additionally, the Browns have placed tackle Jack Conklin on injured reserve, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

  • The inactives announcement was made on December 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET.

The players

Denzel Ward

Cornerback for the Cleveland Browns.

Dylan Sampson

Running back for the Cleveland Browns.

Mike Hall Jr.

Defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns.

Wyatt Teller

Guard for the Cleveland Browns.

Jamari Thrash

Wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns.

David Njoku

Tight end for the Cleveland Browns.

Sam Kamara

Defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns.

Keith Cooper Jr.

Defensive tackle elevated from the practice squad for the Cleveland Browns.

Maurice Hurst II

Defensive tackle elevated from the practice squad for the Cleveland Browns.

Christopher Edmonds

Safety signed to the active roster from the practice squad for the Cleveland Browns.

Jack Conklin

Tackle for the Cleveland Browns, placed on injured reserve.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These roster moves by the Browns highlight the unpredictable nature of professional football, where strategy, health, and timing collide. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how these changes impact the outcome of the high-stakes matchup against the Bills, and whether the team's decisions prove to be cautious or overcautious.