For the Browns, it’s difficult to say how, exactly, their myriad of offensive problems could be fixed now that we are midway through the 2025 season and Cleveland ranks 30th with 126 points on the season, and 31st in yardage gained, at 2,108. Obviously, quarterback is the position of greatest concern, as usual, with the Browns, but much of the offense could use an overhaul.
So the return of wide receiver Cedric Tillman from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him on the injured reserve since Week 4 is not exactly expected to be a ground-breaking move for the Browns. Tillman had his best game in Week 1 against the Bengals, when he caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown and, in three weeks thereafter, had six catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
But when the offense has struggled to the extent that the Browns have struggled, every sliver of good news should be taken with a smile. And on Monday, coming off their bye week, the Browns got a sliver of good news as the team announced it is opening the practice window for Tillman.
As a corresponding move, the Browns announced they have released veteran safety Damontae Kazee.
Cedric Tillman Found Injury Time ‘Frustrating’
Tillman said on Monday that he is feeling good as he begins to work his way back on a familiar path–he was limited to only 11 games because of injuries last season. The former third-round pick conceded that it was tough to have his season go sideways after getting off to a good start.
“It was frustrating, obviously, you know,” Tillman said. “It was tough watching, you know, want to help this team out. But I am back now, I want to stay healthy for this team, for this organization and give them all.”
Tillman added that it was not easy watching the team’s offense struggle the way it has.
“As a competitor, it definitely is frustrating but you know, all the ball-catchers are frustrated,” he said. ” Obviously, I will just do what I do, try to play my hardest, 100%, but as a team we always have to execute.”
Getty ImagesCleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel
Browns Undergoing Offensive Shifts
When Tillman last played for the Browns, of course, Joe Flacco was the quarterback. So he will, like all Browns receivers have been doing, have to get used to fielding throws from rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. So far, he’s been impressed with Gabriel, despite his 1-3 record as the starter.
“He’s a young quarterback but we also know what he can do. I like Dillon, he is a good player, he is very smart. I am excited for him and I am going to try to be out there with him,” Tillman said.
He will also come back to a new offensive setup in Cleveland, where Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will give up play-calling duties to coordinator Tommy Rees coming out of the bye.
Of course, Tillman said the Browns problems thus far are not really a matter of play-calling: “Whoever is calling the plays, we gotta execute at the end of the day, so like I said, it’s Jets week, we have to do what we are supposed to do, try to leave it out there.
Browns Getting a Big Target Back in Cedric Tillman
At the very least, the 6-foot-3 Tillman will give Gabriel a bigger target to run with 6-foot-1 Jerry Jeudy. Among the inexperienced group of Isaiah Bond, Gage Larvadain, Malachi Corley, and Jamari Thrash, the Browns have no one who measures more than 6-feet in height.
“Just bringing that big-bodied receiver,” Tillman said. “Get some more size out there. I feel like I can make some plays for this team, stuff like that. So I feel like we got another play-maker out there, also someone who can help in the running game, we got good running backs. Hoping to help.”
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