Joe Haden to be game-time decision against Cowboys

ClevelandBrowns.com

Sunday could wind up being another long afternoon for the Cleveland Browns 22nd ranked pass defense, especially if star cornerback Joe Haden is forced to miss his fifth game of the 2012 season.

Haden, who already missed four games due to suspension for Adderall use, has not practiced since suffering an oblique strain on Wednesday. However, he will travel to Dallas and will be a game-time decision against the Cowboys.

“He’ll be a game-time decision,” Head coach Pat Shurmur said, via the Akron Beacon-Journal “I think we listed it as an oblique strain. It’s something that can happen with a very harmless movement, and we’ll just see where he’s at. He feels better today, and on game day, we’ll decide if he can go.”

While the Browns defense has rarely been dominant during the season, the unit is undoubtedly more effective with Haden on the field. During Haden’s suspension, the Browns posted an 0-4 record, while allowing opposing quarterbacks to pass for 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

If Haden is ultimately ruled out against the Cowboys, Cleveland will likely start Sheldon Brown and Buster Skrine at cornerback with rookie Trevin Wade filling the nickle-back role.