In a sudden turn of events, the Cleveland Browns find themselves holding their breath as star defensive player Za’Darius Smith suffered a knee contusion during Monday’s practice. The talented pass rusher had to be carted off the field, leaving his teammates and coaches anxious about the severity of his injury. As per Cleveland.com, Smith is set to undergo further evaluation on Tuesday morning, with hopes of receiving positive news.
According to reports from ESPN, Smith sustained the injury during red zone drills, adding to the concerns surrounding his health. The 31-year-old defensive end, who recently signed a two-year extension with the Browns after a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, has been a vital contributor to the team’s defense. In the 2023 season, Smith compiled impressive stats including 27 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and three passes defensed in 16 starts.
A former fourth-round pick out of Kentucky, Za’Darius Smith is no stranger to success in the NFL. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections, with his most recent appearance in 2022. Throughout his career, which has seen him play for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Vikings, and now the Browns, Smith has amassed an impressive total of 60 sacks in 123 games.
With the possibility of Smith missing game time looming, the Browns may have to turn to other players to step up and fill the void. Names like Alex Wright and Sam Kamara could see increased opportunities if Smith is sidelined. However, the situation is further complicated by reports that Kamara himself left practice early on Monday due to an undisclosed injury.
As the Browns await the results of Za’Darius Smith’s evaluation, the team remains hopeful for a speedy recovery for one of their key defensive assets. The coming days will provide further clarity on the extent of Smith’s injury and the potential impact on the Browns’ defense moving forward. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.