Coach hopes he'll be back Week 18

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that he's hopeful Cooper (heel) will be available for next Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bengals, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Per Stefanski, Cooper tried hard to play Thursday against the Jets but ultimately wasn't ready to go on a short week. The Browns won 37-20 despite Cooper's absence, clinching a playoff spot in the process, so Cleveland can afford to take a cautious approach with its top wide receiver Week 18 and hold Cooper out unless his heel is fully healed.