<
>

Ricardo Louis could see a bigger role with Corey Coleman injured

Ricardo Louis has caught four of the five passes thrown his way so far, but he's not been as involved as it seemed he might during an impressive offseason. Phil Masturzo/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire

BEREA, Ohio -- Ricardo Louis figures to move up in the pecking order following Sunday's injury to starting receiver Corey Coleman.

And after his successful day in Baltimore, Rashard Higgins figures to remain the Cleveland Browns' slot receiver.

Coleman, the Browns' first-round pick in 2016, broke his right hand during the loss to the Ravens and will be placed on injured reserve. The Browns hope he can return to practice in six weeks and play in a game in eight. Coleman had surgery Monday to repair the break.

Coleman has six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown, but he has been targeted 13 times for the six catches. Against Baltimore, Coleman was targeted seven times and had one catch.

Louis has caught four of the five passes thrown his way, but he's not been as involved as it seemed he might in the offseason, when he was impressive. With Coleman out, Louis figures to line up opposite Kenny Britt on the outside.

The Browns receiving group break downs this way with Coleman injured:

Britt has been an enigma.

In two games, he has two catches for 15 yards, and he's drawn the ire of fans and the questions of the media, who see his lax production after he signed a $34 million contract with the Browns as a free agent.

Hue Jackson was asked specifically about Britt, and it was put to Jackson that Britt does not look interested. The coach declined to talk about any individuals.

"We have to play better as an offensive unit," Jackson said. "I know we direct it at one guy. ... I know your question was about Kenny. We have to play better as an offensive unit, and that is the way I am going to leave it."

Jackson admitted the contract brings certain expectations for Britt, but repeated his mantra: "We have to play better as an offensive unit."

Jackson threatened to bench Britt a week ago but didn't. In Baltimore, Britt had one catch for 2 yards and one offensive interference penalty. There was another play on which he did not turn around to look for the ball, and others on which it appeared he was not going full speed.

It's not likely he'd be taken out of the starting lineup, though, because the depth at the position is lacking.

Louis will get more chances.

He is liked and respected by his teammates, and was among the most improved players in the offseason. But his preseason was inconsistent. He brings a boatload of confidence to the position as the Browns travel to play the winless Colts.

"Indianapolis, they're going to have to feel it, because we're coming with it," Louis said. "I know for a fact I'm coming with it and I'm going to bring my team along and ... it is what it is."

Higgins earned another chance.

Higgins did not make the 53-man roster and was on the team's practice squad until Saturday, when he was moved to the roster. He was given a full chance in the slot, and responded with seven catches for 95 yards -- two of 20 yards or more.

The Browns had five receivers active in Baltimore. If they do the same in Indianapolis, Sammie Coates and Kasen Williams will both be active.