Former Vols standout could see increased role in final week of NFL season

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Cedric Tillman could be a featured player for the Cleveland Browns in Week 18. 

Tillman, a third round selection by the Browns in the 2023 NFL Draft, has just 18 receptions for 181 yards in 13 games so far this season. 

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said this week that Cleveland, which is locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC, will rest some of their key players in Week 18. That should lead to some increased opportunities for Tillman. 

"We're going to use this opportunity to rest some guys," said Stefanski this week. "I feel like we've earned that opportunity with how we took care of business the previous week. I think it's a great opportunity for some guys that haven't had a ton of playing time to get out there."

From ClevelandBrowns.com: Stefanski did not name specific players who would rest but highlighted the opportunity for some of their younger players. Offensively, there are a number of players who could step up in Week 18 like WR Cedric Tillman, WR David Bell and RB Pierre Strong Jr. All three players have played this season and made big plays for the Browns offense.

When the Browns traded WR Donovan Peoples-Jones to the Lions, Tillman moved into a new role on the opposite side of Cooper. He has played in 13 games this season but only has been targeted 38 times. He has caught 18 passes for 181 yards.

Tillman's stats fail to reflect his effort in every game for the Browns. He is a physical receiver who can block for his teammates. During Week 10 in Baltimore, Tillman displayed his blocking skills when he made a hit on LB Kyle Van Noy, who was about to sack QB Deshaun Watson. Tillman's block prevented the sack. 

The Browns will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a road matchup on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET. Cleveland will begin the playoffs the following week with a road matchup against either the Miami Dolphins or the Buffalo Bills (Cleveland will take on the winner of the Sunday night matchup between the Dolphins and the Bills).