Last week, Cleveland Browns fans everywhere held their breath when they heard that defensive end Za’Darius Smith was carted off the field with a knee injury. But it came out over the coming days that it was a minor knee contusion and that he wouldn’t miss serious time.
On Thursday, the second joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings, Smith returned to the practice field for the Browns. Having him opposite Myles Garrett creates such a ridiculous pair, and his ability to play inside gives Jim Schwartz so much flexibility and options to confuse offenses.
Cleveland has the deepest group of edge rushers in the NFL, and they are entering their second season under Schwartz. After the two joint practices with Minnesota, the Browns will host their second home game of the preseason this Saturday against the Vikings. After the joint practices, there is a good chance that even fewer starters play than against the Packers.