What happened: Cleveland Browns rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will start in place of Ronnie Hickman on Sunday against the Houston Texans. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed the lineup change and expressed confidence in the second-round draft pick. Hickman is listed as questionable after entering concussion protocol earlier in the week.
Why it matters: Cleveland sits at 5-4 and holds the eighth seed in the AFC following consecutive losses, tightening the conference wild-card race. Houston enters at 3-5 after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 44-22 last week. Stepping into the starting secondary places immediate pressure on the rookie to stabilize a defense looking to snap a two-game skid.
By the numbers: Hickman has recorded 57 tackles, one sack, and one interception in 2026 through nine games. Cleveland stands at 5-4, while Houston enters at 3-5 in 2026 through eight games.
What to watch: Cleveland faces Houston on Sunday looking to halt its two-game losing streak and defend its spot in the AFC standings.