WR Cedric Tillman, since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Lions, has kept a specific phrase top of mind. He was told years ago the motto – 'So what, now what?'
The saying exists to help Tillman react to a situation and plan for the next steps of what comes after. Tillman has been planning for his return to the field since being put on injured reserved on Sept. 30. On Nov. 3, Tillman was designated to return, opening a 21-day period for him to be activated.
"I thought Ced looks really good. I think he's worked very hard in his rehab, so it looks like he'll be good to go, barring anything coming up this week," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Obviously, Ced's a good player. He has made a lot of plays for us over his career. So, it would be a big boost if we can get him out there."
Tillman missed Cleveland's last four games with the hamstring injury, putting an abrupt stop to his strong start to the season. He caught 11 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the first four games, leading the Browns in receiving touchdowns.
He faced a similar situation during the 2024 season, getting injured during the best stretch he has had in his three-year career. During a five-game period, Tillman caught 26 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Then in Week 12, Tillman suffered a concussion in the third quarter against the Steelers, causing him to miss the rest of the season.
As Tillman rehabbed from the hamstring injury and reflected on his journey, he doesn't want the injury to hold him back from getting on the field again this season.
"Obviously, I didn't want the injury to happen, but I'm not going to sit and pout about it," Tillman said. "I'm going to try to get better so I can get on the field, and that's really just the process I've done."
With Tillman back on the field at practice, he provides QB Dillon Gabriel another big receiver to pass to with the wideout's 6-foot-3 frame. Through Gabriel's four starts, 48 percent of his 683 passing yards have gone to pass catchers 6-foot-3 or taller. Tillman, along with being another tall target for Gabriel, also spotlighted the impact that he can have in the run game using his frame to block and open lanes on the outside.
"Just bringing that big-body receiver, get some more size out there," Tillman said. "I feel like I can make some plays for this team. We have another playmaker out there and also someone who's going to help in the run game. We have good running backs."
Tillman will help block for RB Quinshon Judkins, who has had success running and ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. The Browns have had challenges throwing the ball, passing for 174.1 yards per game – 29th in the league in the category.
Tillman noted that Cleveland must execute better in the passing game, beginning with the receivers. As a competitor, he is trying to play his hardest every play that he's on the field.
"We can make a bunch of excuses, but we just have to do our job," Tillman said. "So, the players, we're going to take it upon ourselves to do what we have to do, and we're going to step up."
Tillman took it upon himself to improve his game while on injured reserve and studied Cleveland's offense. He got a different perspective as a result, seeing the offense through a spectator's eyes. Tillman caught certain details that he said he might not have noticed in a regular week. A part of that self-led study wasn't just the offense itself but also studying himself and his play.
After gaining a new viewpoint of the offense, Tillman said he is aiming to build on his momentum from earlier in the season. After missing the last four games, he will try to use that momentum and perspective to support the Browns' passing game.
"I want to help the team out, but I'm back now," Tillman said. "I'm going to do everything I can to stay healthy for this team, for this organization and give it my all."
