Joel Bitonio and Mike Ford Exit Browns Game Against Bears

Browns' starting left guard and backup cornerback left Sunday's game against the Bears with injuries in the first quarter

Cleveland and Chicago are locked up in a back-and-forth game that neither team can get things going. 

What Cleveland cannot afford is any more injuries, yet in the first quarter, the Browns lose two key contributors on each side of the ball.

The first injury is the most significant one. The Browns' offensive line is down to their backup center and third and fourth-string tackles. They are now playing with their backup left guard as 10-year veteran Joel Bitonio went down with a back injury in the first quarter.

On the second play of the Browns' third drive, the Browns had a nice gain to get the ball to a second-and-two situation. After they broke the huddle, Bitonio went to knee and would need the help of a trainer to get off the field.

Oct 11, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) is introduced before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

While all of that was going on, it was reported that backup cornerback Mike Ford was on his way to the locker room after spending some time in the blue medical tent. His return is questionable as he is battling an illness.

For the first time all season, the Browns' injuries are becoming evident on the field. They are currently struggling against the Chicago defensive line which is frankly dominating the group that has been patchworked together.

The Browns' defense is hanging in with all of the injuries that they have experienced on the back end. The Bears are trying to exploit the secondary but haven't found consistent success in doing so.

As more details arise, we will provide updates.

Browns and Bears are in a tight one.