The Cleveland Browns got an early-season concern when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was placed on the COVID-19 list prior to the start of training camp. The Browns second-round pick was expected to be an important part of the team’s revamped defense but the start of camp could be problematic.
On top of missing camp time, concerns about the physical issues related to COVID were present. In 2020, Cleveland saw Myles Garrett diagnosed with COVID and the symptoms impact him upon his return. Garrett reported significant concerns related to cardiovascular endurance and other symptoms lingering even after the season ended.
Owusu-Koramoah was just cleared to return to camp and reported to the media that he was asymptomatic and has felt 100%:
#Browns rookie LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said he remained asymptotic while on COVID-19 list and feels 100% healthy
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 4, 2021
With Anthony Walker missing at least a week, and likely more, the Browns rookie linebacker has a chance to take advantage of more snaps to get back up to speed. Being completely healthy while doing so will be helpful as he fights for a starting position.
Walker seems penciled in as one of the team’s two starting linebacker spots despite his knee injury. Veteran Malcolm Smith and second-year man Jacob Phillips are Owusu-Koramoah’s main competition for the other starting position.
Mack Wilson, thought to be on the roster bubble, has also had a very good camp so far and could have put himself in competition for the starting role. Wilson took advantage of snaps available with the rookie out on the COVID list and Walker going down.
Browns fans have been looking forward to seeing the athletic Notre Dame prospect, who surprisingly fell to the second round, and now get to see him coming back healthy after missing a week of practice.