The Cleveland Browns lost out on a crucial contributor as wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. recently suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in their most recent encounter against the Cincinnati Bengals. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to find a replacement for the three-time Pro Bowler with wideout Rashard Higgins, as per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

The former Colorado State standout looks to ease into the starting position as he seemed to have already developed a tight relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield. To frankly put it into words, Higgins referred to his closeness to Mayfield as if his “mama gave birth to him”.

The fifth-year receiver made a strong case for his inclusion in the first team as he balled out in Week 7 against the Bengals. He generated 110 receiving yards on six receptions as he slotted in for Beckham who left the game in the very first frame.

Tight end Harrison Bryant also contributed 56 yards on four catches with two scored touchdowns while rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones put the finishing touches for the Browns by catching a 24-yard long bomb sent to his way by Mayfield in the dying seconds of the game.

Despite the back-and-forth encounter, the Browns still managed to come out on top with a 37-34 heart-stopping victory and improved to a 5-2 record. Without Beckham at the helm, the scoring load is now entrusted to the shoulders of their receiving coup in Higgins, Peoples-Jones, and veteran Jarvis Landry.

Higgins' effectiveness as a starter will be tested in their Week 8 matchup as they look to add a win to their tally at the expense of the Las Vegas Raiders.