Rashard Higgins has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game, and the Browns also could be without a player who was expected to help fill the void.
Derrick Willies, who was the surprise star in Sunday's overtime victory over the Ravens, injured his shoulder in Friday's practice and is considered questionable against the Chargers. Willies, an undrafted free agent, caught a 39-yard pass in overtime to set up the Browns' game-winning field goal against Baltimore.
Higgins, who is second on the team with 244 receiving yards, went down in the third quarter of Cleveland's overtime win over the Ravens. He's considered week to week, as the Browns will now look to veteran Rod Streater, rookie Damion Ratley and even running back Duke Johnson to help fill the void.
Cleveland could get a boost of depth at linebacker if James Burgess is able to return to action. Burgess, who is listed as questionable, injured his knee Week 3 against the Jets and has missed the past two games. He was limited in practice throughout the week.
Linebacker Tanner Vallejo, who fills a number of roles on special teams, was put on the injury report with a concussion Thursday and won't play Sunday.
