Mitchell has played in 13 games this season, recording 12 total tackles
With starting CB Greg Newsome II landing on the injured reserve list with a hamstring injury, CB Cameron Mitchell could see an increase in his role in Newsome's absence.
Newsome exited the Browns' Week 14 loss to the Steelers in the fourth quarter. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed the hamstring injury occurred on the same leg Newsome had hamstring surgery on over the offseason.
"It's a huge blow, not even as a [position] group, but the whole team. Greg's a big energy guy for everybody, including the offense," Michell said. "But for the [cornerbacks] room specifically, it's a big blow because we're a tight group and we'll miss him out there."
Mitchell will likely slide into the starting nickel corner role left by Newsome, as he did at times in the 2023 season when Newsome missed games in Weeks 3 and 9.
As he prepares to take on a bigger role against the Chiefs, Mitchell reflected on his relationship with Newsome. Mitchell and Newsome were teammates at Northwestern from 2019-20 before both being drafted by the Browns, Newsome in 2021 and Mitchell in 2023. As corners with a similar playstyle, Newsome mentored Mitchell both in college and in the pros.
"It's been dope," Mitchell said of his relationship with Newsome. "Both of us coming in, having the flexibility to play inside and outside, so those conversations that I have with him are a little bit different than anybody else. It's been great for my development as a player."
Despite not having a starting role this season, Mitchell has played in 13 of the Browns' 14 games this year, recording 12 total tackles and one tackle for loss. Mitchell played a season-high 41 snaps in the Browns' Week 2 win over the Jaguars as CB Denzel Ward was limited with a shoulder injury.
Ward, who leads the Browns defense with 19 passes defensed, said he expects Mitchell to transition into a more prominent role seamlessly given the young players' experience through his first two seasons.
"He's like a veteran player out there, so don't think there's going to be a drop off with Cam coming in," Ward said. "He's a great nickel, communicates out there for us, gets guys in the right position. He's a good player and he has a lot of playing time out there, so I think he'll do well."
In addition to his playing time, Mitchell said he's prepared this season as if he was starting each week, taking advantage of each practice rep and meeting in case a starter went down, and his number was called.
Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski noted Mitchell's dedication to learning the defense as he prepares to see more action in Week 15.
"Cam has played a good bit for us in the last couple seasons. Very smart player, heady, good in coverage, does a nice job from a physical presence as well. A guy that really understands all the nuances to our defense," Stefanski said.
Strong play from Mitchell and the rest of the Browns secondary will be necessary if they are to knock off QB Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Mitchell said he is looking forward to the challenge presented by the talented group of Chiefs pass catchers and a two-time MVP in Mahomes.
The Chiefs acquired WR DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Titans in November, and the veteran wide receiver has caught four touchdown passes in his seven games with the Chiefs. Hopkins joined a receiver room featuring speedy rookie receiver Xavier Worthy, who has averaged 12 yards per catch this year and has scored six times – including two rushing touchdowns. Rounding out the group is veteran TE Travis Kelce, who has been a key weapon for Mahomes throughout each of the Chiefs' three Super Bowl runs over the last five seasons.
"Everybody knows about the tight end, Travis Kelce, and the connection that him and Mahomes have and then the crazy speed that they have on the outside and then they added [DeAndre Hopkins], a great vet," Mitchell said. "So, it's going to be a challenge, but we're ready to step up to it."
