It's NFL training camp time, which for some teams unfortunately means the time for juries. More specifically for the Cleveland Browns, it means key defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith.
Per multiple reports, Smith was carted off the field after suffering an unspecified injury during practice in Berea, Ohio, at the team's training facility.
"It's unclear what Smith hurt specifically, but reporters noted that he was clearly in pain," wrote Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. "ESPN reported that Smith was injured during red zone drills. The 31-year-old defensive end signed a two-year extension with Cleveland this offseason after he was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Browns last May."
That’s Za’Darius Smith riding off in the passenger seat of the cart. #browns pic.twitter.com/ls7otDdRiO
— Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) August 5, 2024
Smith signed a two-year contract with the Browns this offseason.
"In 2023, Smith recorded 27 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, 20 QB hits and three passes defensed in 16 starts," Dajani noted. "The former fourth-round pick out of Kentucky has made three Pro Bowls, the most recent being in 2022, and has recorded 60 career sacks in 123 games played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Vikings and Browns."
The Browns finished 11-6 last season, good enough for second place in the AFC North. They were then blasted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs.
That came with the since-departed Joe Flacco at quarterback for the second half of the year. This year, they are hoping Deshaun Watson finally stays healthy enough to play an entire season.
Cleveland opens the season on Sept. 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
"If Smith were to miss time, it could open the door for players like Alex Wright or Sam Kamara," Dajani wrote. "However, Kamara also reportedly left Browns practice early Monday with an undisclosed injury as well."
