The Cleveland Browns continue training camp on Tuesday but add pads for the first time. It is yet to be seen how much hitting will be allowed with pads added but the Browns, like all teams, are cautious of injury concerns.
Training camp hasn’t gone perfectly for the team on that front so far. Primarily on the defensive side of the ball, the Browns have players missing practice for a variety of reasons. Early in camp with no hitting, defenders have the disadvantage of having to pull up quite often in team drills while offensive players don’t have to worry about getting hit.
With that in mind, a quick update on some of those injuries starting from the longest issue to the most recent:
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
The Browns second-round pick was added to the COVID-19 list upon his arrival to training camp last week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski gave a vague update on his status:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said he doesn’t know exactly when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will return from the COVID-19 list but that it’s “getting closer.”
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 2, 2021
Closer could mean anything but a week to ten days has been the general number for most players. That would put him back with the team near the end of the week.
Takk McKinley
McKinley is still out with an illness. He has not been placed on the COVID-19 list which means he could return any day. Stefanski noted that he would be out Monday but nothing more at this time.
Ronnie Harrison
For the Browns, Harrison is expected to play an important role in 2021. His hamstring issue will have him out a few more days, according to Stefanski. Perhaps a good report as hamstring issues can linger, the Browns should be cautious at this point in camp.
Anthony Schwartz
The Browns third-round pick is also dealing with a hamstring issue. Soft tissue issues can be problematic especially for lean speed guys. With Cleveland not needing Schwartz to be an every-down player this year, they have the luxury of extreme caution that they won’t have with Harrison.
Anthony Walker
Perhaps the biggest injury also lingers as the biggest unknown. Walker went down with what the Browns are calling a knee injury but nothing further at this time. Walker is likely to get an MRI but that has not been confirmed. Identified as the team’s defensive play-caller, Walker was all but certain to start in the middle. A significant injury, along with Owusu-Koramoah’s delayed start to camp, could hinder the second level greatly.
Stayed tuned to Browns Wire as we will keep you up to date on injuries as soon as we get updates.