Jets LB C.J. Mosley to miss Monday's game against Browns, Le'Veon Bell questionable

The New York Jets' task of upsetting the Cleveland Browns on Monday night became even tougher on Saturday. Already without quarterback Sam Darnold because of mononucleosis, the Jets officially ruled out two more key players for the game: linebacker C.J. Mosley and rookie defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. In addition, the team announced that running back Le'Veon Bell was one of seven players who are questionable to play against Cleveland.

The news was not unexpected; neither Mosley (groin) nor Williams (ankle) practiced this week. But the absences, particularly Mosley's, are a huge blow to a New York team that's trying to bounce back from a season-opening loss to the Bills.

In that game Mosley, who was acquired in the offseason after five seasons in Baltimore, and the Jets defense were stuffing Buffalo until he had to leave the game in the third quarter. With Mosley on the field, New York allowed three points (and 4.8 yards per play) over nine Bills possessions. The playmaking linebacker had a pick-six, five tackles and two passes defensed. After he left, the Jets allowed 14 points (and 8.9 yards per play) in three possessions and lost, 17-16.

Mosley will be replaced by rookie Blake Cashman, a fifth-round pick from Minnesota.

The Jets are a bit more optimistic about the availability of Bell, who signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the team in the offseason. After rushing 17 times for 60 yards and catching six balls for 32 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo, he underwent an MRI on his shoulder, which revealed no major tear. Bell practiced Saturday but was limited.

The Jets initially opened as a 2.5-point underdog to Cleveland before the news of Darnold, Mosley, et al. They're now 6.5-point underdogs.

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