The Browns are reportedly in danger of losing another important member of their formidable defensive line for the duration of the season, adding to their recent string of unfortunate injury news.
After a week full of tragic injury reports, there might be more to come.
In Cleveland’s 31-27 victory over the Jaguars, pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo sustained a pectoral injury that could put him on the injured reserve list, joining a long list of teammates. The team placed safety Grant Delpit, another important defender, on injured reserve the same day the news was announced. Delpit might be able to make a comeback in time for the postseason after overcoming his groyne injury, but Okoronkwo is probably not one of those players.
Before practice on Wednesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski stated, “I don’t have final confirmation on Okoronkwo.” “I’ll hold out hope, but it’s certainly looking [like it would be season-ending].”
In fact, Okoronkwo left the game on Sunday more than once. The former Texan eventually made a comeback to the game despite initially suffering from a groyne injury. Subsequently, he left the game with a pectoral injury that is currently believed to be season-ending.
It’s the latest blow to a Browns season defined by injuries, as this week has seen three other players have their seasons cut short due to some sort of ailment. That list includes both starting tackles Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills as well as fellow defensive lineman Maurice Hurst. In total, the Browns have now lost 13 players to season-ending injuries this season. Delpit makes a 14th who at the very least is done for the regular season.
Against players like Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith this season, Okoronkwo has been a reliable addition to the Browns defensive line. 31 total tackles, 12 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hits have been recorded by the former Texan. On his resume, he also has a fumble recovery.
The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $19 million contract during the first few days of free agency in March to join the Browns this offseason as a free agent.
