How worried should we be about these 5 injuries to start Cleveland Browns camp?

The Cleveland Browns started off camp with five big injuries to deal with.

The Cleveland Browns didn’t want to start off camp like this. Five key contributors are already dealing with issues to start camp off. Now, none of them are expected to be too serious long-term, in theory, but nagging injuries can often turn into catastrophic ones, so pretending that this is a concern is foolish.

What’s worse is that all five guys are expected to either be starters or big-time contributors for the year. Three defensive players, two starters, and one potential starter make up one portion of the injured. The other is a key rookie and arguably the team’s best offensive linemen.

With this, plus the lingering suspension of Deshaun Watson on the horizon, this is a team that can’t afford much in the way of upheaval. Most of last season’s issues within the team came from failed leadership, and if this team starts off with too many injuries, I don’t think this coaching staff can keep the team together. So, how concerned should we be about these injuries?

Let’s discuss.

If the player gets a “1”, then they’re fine, if they get a “10” then they’re in serious trouble.

How concerned should we be over each injury?

Denzel Ward – Foot

Denzel Ward has a history of injuries, thankfully none of them have been foot-related until now. If it were a hip/groin injury, then I’d say be very worried. Unless the Browns are underplaying how bad his foot is, and the Browns do that a lot, then there’s no reason to worry.

Injury Concern: 4 – He’s had a lot of minor nagging injuries and you have to wonder how a body will handle all of them in totality.

Jack Conklin – Knee

Unlike Ward, Jack Conklin’s injury status should be concerning. He was alleged to be “ahead of schedule” this past winter, and yet he’s still unable to compete. Now “full” recovery takes six months post-surgery, outside of any hiccups in the recovery process. That said, it can take up to 12 months to return to prior form, or as close to prior form as you can be. Is Conklin dealing with a delay in his recovery process? I would say there’s reason to be worried.

Injury Concern: 7 – I have concerns about his development, as he’s about nine months out and he’s already on the PUP list.

Anthony Walker – Groin

This appears to be the first significant injury of Anthony Walker’s career and it doesn’t seem to be a big one. He’s young, he’s in good shape. I don’t see this being anything to worry about.

Injury Concern: 1 – If it flares up repeatedly, we’ll revisit.

Sheldon Day – Back

Sheldon Day is a big guy, topping 300 lbs, which isn’t really natural. Having a dude the size of Day dealing with a back issue is always concerning. It’s a defensive linemen’s throwing shoulder for a quarterback. Nothing to worry about big time yet, but the concern is lingering.

Injury Concern: 3 – We’ll see if this flares up during the year.

David Bell – Failed Physical

Who knows why David Bell failed a physical, but that’s concerning. Especially after the mini-camp, he had this summer. It’s said to be a foot injury, and that’s concerning. He hasn’t even been hit yet and he’s already dealing with a foot injury? He should be ready to go in about two weeks’ time and we’ll see if the injury warrants being worried about.

Injury Concern: 3 – Too soon to call.