When the Cleveland Browns opened training camp there was excitement that many of their injured players from 2020 were cleared to practice. While Odell Beckham Jr. was the big name, Grant Delpit, Greedy Williams and Chris Hubbard are important players also cleared to participate.
While cleared to participate, the Browns have been cautious with players coming back from major injuries.
That has included limiting Delpit in team exercises. The team’s second-round pick in 2020 is expected to be an important part of the revamped defense. With John Johnson III added in free agency and Ronnie Harrison returning, Delpit will step in as the team’s third starter. His size, speed and versatility were an important part of Cleveland’s defensive plans his rookie season before his injury.
Despite the high hopes, returning from an Achilles injury is a very difficult task in professional sports. Previously, Achilles injuries could be career-ending. While modern medicine has come a long way, as seen with ACL injuries, Achilles are still touch and go. Due to that, the Browns’ medical staff is playing it safe:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said Grant Delpit will be mixed into team drills at the medical staff’s discretion.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 4, 2021
This early in camp, caution should not be seen as problematic. If Delpit remains held out of team activities after the first preseason game or later, the concern should rise. For now, the team is playing it smart with a player they have high hopes for over the long term.