Denzel Boston Takes Positive Step Toward for Browns in Week 10

Denzel Boston has quickly developed into one of the Cleveland Browns' biggest offensive stars during his rookie campaign, but a toe injury figures to threaten his availability for a critical Week 10 matchup with the Houston Texans.

Cleveland officially listed Boston as questionable for Sunday's game due to the ailment, after he missed the first two days of practice this week and returned on Friday. 

Head coach Todd Monken revealed that Boston was limited during Friday's session and noted that it was a step in the right direction for the young wideout. Still, Monken added that they'll have to see how he progresses in the coming days before the two AFC foes kick things off at 1 p.m. Sunday. 

Meanwhile, Cleveland's secondary will be down one a starter when it takes the field against Houston. The team ruled out safety Ronnie Hickman for Week 10 following Friday's practice as he continues progressing through the concussion protocol. 

Hickman missed all three days of practice this week due to the protocol. In previous weeks, the Browns have seen examples of players not practicing but clearing the protocol on Saturday. Two weeks ago that exact scenario played out with tackle Tytus Howard and after clearing the day before a key matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers wound up playing.

Last week, though, in an extenuating circumstance, quarterback Deshaun Watson was in the protocol all week, cleared on Saturday, but didn't play. Hickman, however, won't have the option to clear and play after being ruled out. 

In his place, the Browns are expected to start rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The second-round pick has started a handful of times this season as a nickel in the team's three-safety looks and even filled in for Grant Delpit after the 28-year-old suffered a concussion just a few plays into a Week 4 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This will be McNeil-Warren's first opportunity to start a game at free safety, though.

Meanwhile, Cleveland also ruled out veteran fullback Michael Burton with a calf injury for Sunday. Burton was injured against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, but returned to action. He's dealt with a calf injury throughout the week, though and did not practice at all. 

The Browns may have to get creative to fill Burton's role for Sunday, including potentially promoting recent practice squad addition TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden or even rookie TE Carsen Ryan. The team has until Sunday afternoon to announce any such move.