The waiting continues for Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright after he was carted off the field during practice earlier in the week.
Wright suffered an apparent lower leg injury during a one-on-one drill against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown in their joint practice. Being carted off raised immediate questions about his availability moving forward.
Head coach Todd Monken did not have an update immediately after the practice. Two days later, the Browns were still not ready to offer any clarity.
“I don’t have any more information on Alex,” Monken said following Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo. “I don’t know yet with Alex. We’ll know a lot more once we get through the weekend.”
The lack of information is concerning for a player expected to hold a significant role on Cleveland’s rebuilt defensive front. Wright signed a three-year, $33 million extension last season that included more than $21 million guaranteed.
Wright has recorded 11.5 sacks over his first four NFL seasons. He is projected to start opposite Jared Verse, the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams.
Browns Give Mike Hall Jr. Reps at Defensive End
The Browns may already be exploring an internal solution to their potential depth problem. Mike Hall Jr. received snaps at defensive end against the Bills. Hall has primarily worked inside during his first two NFL seasons, but the Browns believe his explosiveness and versatility could allow him to contribute on the edge.
“Mike Hall Jr. is an explosive player who loves playing football, and we’re always trying to find ways to get our best four D-linemen on the field,” Monken said. “That’s part of why we looked at Mike on the edge. He’s powerful, he can dip, he can get underneath tackles, and he’s relentless.”
Moving Hall outside would allow the Browns to keep more of their best defensive linemen on the field together. Cleveland also has Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis and Adin Huntington available in the middle, giving the coaching staff some flexibility if Wright misses time.
“He’s worked awfully hard to get back to where he’s at, so I think it was a good idea by our defensive staff to get him some reps there,” Monken said. “I can’t speak to it. He only played the first quarter, and I’ll have to watch the tape and see. But he’s fun to watch as a player.”
Browns Could Explore Trade Market for Pass-Rush Help
GettyExecutive vice president, football operations & general manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland was searching for additional edge depth even before Wright went down. The Browns attempted to reunite with veteran pass rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith but were unable to close either deal. Smith appeared close to returning before signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons to reunite with ex-Browns coach Kevin Stefanski.
Cleveland instead signed Jamil Muhammad, a former undrafted free agent who has yet to appear in a regular-season game. The Browns also have Isaiah McGuire and Julian Okwara behind Verse and Wright. But the group lacks proven production.
That could force general manager Andrew Berry to explore the trade market as teams begin trimming their rosters ahead of the regular season. The Browns also have little incentive to publicly define the severity of Wright’s injury before they line up a replacement. Advertising an urgent need could weaken their negotiating position with another team or a veteran free agent.
Browns Remain Silent on Injured $33 Million Star