Banged-up Browns prep for Cards

BEREA — Keeping slippery Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray under control is a difficult challenge for any defense — even in the best of circumstances.

The Browns aren’t at their best right now.

Cleveland had an all-star roster of injured players not practicing Wednesday as it began preparing for Murray and the unbeaten Cardinals (5-0).

NFL sacks leader Myles Garrett, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were among a group of key Cleveland players kept off the field because of injuries. Coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t rule anyone out, but the Browns are missing vital pieces on both sides of the line.

“I don’t think we’re being cautious with any of our guys, I just think we’re trying to be smart about it,” Stefanski said.

In addition to Garrett and Clowney, end Takk McKinley and linebacker Malcolm Smith were missing from a defense that was shredded for 493 yards last week and gave up 26 points in the fourth quarter.

Garrett, who has seven sacks and been dominant all season, has been dealing with knee and ankle issues for weeks. The 2020 All-Pro end sat out two practices a week ago, but he played in Sunday’s 47-42 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Clowney, who has a long history of injuries and underwent knee surgery last year, was already dealing with an elbow injury and missed Sunday’s game after his knee stiffened during pregame warmups. Stefanski was asked if Clowney’s knee could be an issue before every game.

“I hope not,” he said. “Obviously he has an

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