The Cleveland Browns have dealt with a lot of injuries during training camp this year. One of the longest lingering issues for the team has been with rookie linebacker Tony Fields II.
Fields was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He was seen as an interesting pick given the team’s move up in the second round to draft Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
After playing three years at Arizona, Fields finished his college career at West Virginia. There he showed off versatility with 88 tackles, one sack, one interception and three passes defended.
Like Owusu-Koramoah, Fields is an undersized linebacker who relies on his speed, quickness and awareness to be successful. As a fifth-round pick, he was expected to be an important part of Cleveland’s special teams as a rookie.
Finally, the Friday before the final preseason game, the Browns get to see Fields on their fields:
#Browns rookie LB Tony Fields II on field today for the first time. He’s been slowed by two foot injuries since being drafted.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) August 27, 2021
As today was jersey swap day for many on the defense, it was confirmed that it was him on the field.
With the trip to Atlanta for Sunday Night Football and then two weeks to prepare for Week 1, it will be interesting if Fields is able to get ready to help the team quickly.