The Cleveland Browns were without one of their most explosive offensive weapons as they regrouped following their second preseason game.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond did not practice Monday and is in concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head during Saturday’s 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Browns initially announced that Bond was being evaluated for a concussion after he exited during the second quarter. He was cleared to return in the third quarter but did not re-enter the game, with many of Cleveland’s key players already finished for the day.
Bond’s absence Monday indicates that he developed symptoms after passing the in-game evaluation. He will now have to complete the league’s concussion protocol before returning to practice.
The Browns have more than two weeks before their regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving Bond some time to recover. However, his status could prevent him from getting additional work with newly named starting quarterback Deshaun Watson as Cleveland begins shifting its focus toward Week 1.
Browns Expecting Bigger Role for Isaiah Bond
The Browns signed Bond as an undrafted free agent during training camp last year, drawn largely to the game-changing speed that made him one of the most intriguing receivers in his class.
Bond quickly earned a place in the rotation and appeared in 16 games, making two starts. He finished his rookie season with 18 receptions for 338 yards, averaging an impressive 18.8 yards per catch.
Bond added weight during the offseason in hopes of becoming a more complete receiver. His speed remains his best attribute, but the Browns have also seen other improvements.
“Everybody knows about his speed,” Browns coach Todd Monken said during minicamp. “I think what’s undervalued is his balance and body control. I think he gets in and out of his breaks and is able to keep his speed.”
Bond will still have to earn his snaps in a crowded receiver room. Jerry Jeudy returns as Cleveland’s established veteran, while rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have positioned themselves for prominent roles.
Browns Welcome Back Several Key Players
GettyBrowns running back Quinshon Judkins returned to practice.
Bond’s absence was offset by several encouraging developments elsewhere on the roster. Running back Quinshon Judkins returned to practice after dealing with what Monken described as a nagging injury. Judkins’ return is a positive sign for an offense that will lean heavily on the second-year back after he rushed for 827 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.
Cedric Tillman, fullback Michael Burton, defensive back D’Angelo Ross and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp were also back on the field.
The biggest reinforcement came in the middle of the defensive line. Veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins passed his physical and became eligible to practice after spending training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list.
The returning starters are unlikely to see game action this week. Monken said he does not anticipate playing the starters in Thursday’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots, allowing the Browns to protect their key players and evaluate the remaining battles at the bottom of the roster.
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