The status of Browns TE David Njoku and CB Martin Emerson Jr. for the Bengals game has been announced

“One of the reasons is, No. 1, it’s personal,” he said. “(No. 2), the last time I played them, they hit me hard as hell. So I’m (expletive). I have to play. Absolutely serious.”

So he’s been thinking about it since the Browns’ 21-14 loss on Oct. 20?

“I circled it on the calendar. Yes,” he said.

Who hit him so hard?

“Listen, dog, you’ll find out,” he said. “That’s all.”

The Chiefs game marked his fourth absence of the season after being sidelined three times earlier in the season with an ankle injury.

“I mean, I got injured almost every game, but there’s no excuse,” he said. “Just like everyone has a job, I also got a job. I have to do it.”

Emerson went through a pregame workout with defensive coach Brandon Lynch while defensive coordinator Jim Schwart looked on. Schwartz appeared positive after training.

Emerson suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s 21-7 loss to the Chiefs and had to miss practice on Wednesday. He was limited on Thursday and Friday, but also sustained a back injury in practice on Friday. Emerson was finally cleared from the concussion protocol on Saturday but was questionable on his back.

The Browns need him over Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, especially with cornerback Greg Newsome II on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Burrow leads the NFL with 3,977 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, and Chase leads the NFL with 15 touchdown catches.

The Bengals’ second-best receiver, Tee Higgin (knee), is active. He is second on the team with 50 catches for 669 yards and 6 touchdowns.

“Great player,” Kevin Stefanski said. “We have a lot of respect for this team, but Tee Higgins is certainly an elite player. He tackles the ball against any coverage, great speed. As you know, they have several people to take care of.”

Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. will start for the first time this season with Shelby Harris (elbow) inactive.

Former Browns kicker Cade York will make his first start today against the Browns in relief of Evan McPherson (groin injury).

BROWNS INACTIVE

#5 QB Jameis Winston (3QB)

#19 WR Cedric Tillman

#25 CB Kahlef Hailassie

#35 CB Chigozie Anusiem

#82 TE Brenden Bates

#93 DT Shelby Harris

#99 DE Cameron Thomas

EXPECTED ORDER CHANGES

#51 Mike Hall Jr. starts at DT

FLIPCARD CHANGES

#11 WR James Proche II signed from practice squad

#25 CB Kahlef Hailassie called up from the training group