Desmond Bryant Likely Out For Season After Freak Accident
Hue Jackson’s start with the Cleveland Browns begins in the most Browns way possible
The Cleveland Browns already thin roster may have just been dealt a pretty big blow. Their best defensive lineman, Desmond Bryant, has reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which would put his status for the 2016 season in jeopardy.
The estimated recovery time for this type of surgery is five to six months.
Sources: #Browns DL Desmond Bryant Likely Out For Season With Torn Pec https://t.co/9yazb9qACS
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) July 13, 2016
The injury was suffered last week, and could hold him out for the season according to Daryl Ruiter of Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan. Bryant played in 14 games last season in what was a career year. He led the team with a career high six sacks, 24 tackles, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus ranked Desmond Bryant the 54th best interior defensive lineman in the NFL last season.
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Cleveland ranked 28th in the league last year in sacks with only 29. Without Desmond Bryant, their front seven is littered with inexperienced, and washed up players either trying to get their foot in the door, or revive their careers.
Bryant’s loss is even bigger considering the inexperience of the group, and his injury will definitely be noticeable in the team’s pass rush. Bryant’s absence means the Browns are more likely to use third rounder Carl Nassib now as a defensive end to fill the void. Nassib notched an NCAA leading 16 sacks and 46 tackles at Penn State last season.
Armonty Bryant will be suspended for the first four games of the season, leaving Cleveland’s depth chart even more bare.
The free agent market has some options, but Hue Jackson may not want to travel down that road. Greg Hardy is an obvious distraction, and Randy Starks was cut by the team earlier this season.
Editor George Stockburger also contributed to this story.