Last year, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry attempted to acquire defensive end Takk McKinley numerous times but was unable to do so. Instead, the Browns signed McKinley quickly this offseason.
At the time, McKinley was seen as the team’s edge rusher passer across from Myles Garrett. The team added Jadeveon Clowney later in the offseason to create a solid rotation.
McKinley left practice on July 30th with an illness and has not returned to practice since. Little has been known about the nature of his illness but updates pointed toward his return shortly.
Until Saturday when head coach Kevin Stefanski’s timeline changed:
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said DE Takk McKinley remains away from team for personal reason and Stefanski doesn’t have date he expects him to return. Stefanski said he’s hopeful McKinley will return in time for start of season.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 7, 2021
That the coach is “hopeful” the defensive end will return in time for the start of the season does not mean he would be ready to return to the field by Week 1. Instead, Cleveland will plan for starting the season with Garrett, Clowney, Porter Gustin, Curtis Weaver and, perhaps, Joe Jackson at the position.
It is unknown if McKinley’s continued absence for personal reasons is related to his illness or if the two issues just overlapped. McKinley is no longer found on social media at this time.
We will continue to update that the absence as more information becomes available.