The NFL-leading Cleveland Browns defense, which is recovering from a few injuries, gained reinforcements on Wednesday with the signing of veteran safety Duron Harmon.
The Chicago Bears were Harmon’s most recent team, where he started one and made appearances in three games this season. In addition, he has played for the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and Las Vegas Raiders. But Harmon has spent the most of his NFL career with the New England Patriots. He was a three-time Super Bowl winner during his seven seasons with New England.
In 164 career games, Harmon has recorded 407 tackles, 23 interceptions, and 43 passes defended.
Harmon joins the team after veteran safety Rodney McLeod suffered a season-ending injury. On November 19, he missed a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a biceps injury. This season, McLeod had 10 appearances, five of which were starts. He had one pass defensed and 23 tackles. In May, as a free agent, the 12-year veteran signed with the Browns.
Another acquisition to the safety position this offseason, Juan Thornhill, is also injured. He missed practice on Wednesday due to a calf ailment. Grant Delpit, who is having a breakthrough season, didn’t either.
Kevin Stefanski, the head coach of the Browns, stated, “We’ll see.” Wednesday is the date.
Should Delpit and Thornhill be unable to participate, undrafted players D’Anthony Bell and rookie Ronnie Hickman would be the likely starters.
In addition, the Browns activated linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk from injured reserve, which is crucial because Anthony Walker Jr. is doubtful.
Browns CB Denzel Ward Could Miss Time With Injury
Denzel Ward, a crucial player at cornerback for the Browns, may possibly be out. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Pro Bowl cover man is coping with some uncertainty over a shoulder ailment.
On Wednesday, November 22, Cabot stated, “The Browns are still determining the nature and extent of the injury, which could involve the labrum.” “If he is going to miss a few games, the Browns are figuring out how to cope with losing their best corner, even if it’s just temporary.”
This season, Ward has racked up 29 tackles and two interceptions. Fortunately, the Browns have two excellent cornerbacks in Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr. who might step in if Ward is unable to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Newsome gave the team’s “brotherhood” credit for their ability to persevere in the face of several serious injuries sustained by players on both sides of the ball.
On Monday, November 20, Newsome stated, “It shows the resiliency, not just from the offense, but the team.” “I think we kind of stop differentiating between offensive and defense when we’re all together as one. We simply figure it out. We’ve also seen that we’ve lost a number of outstanding players this season, but I believe it’s just a testament to the brotherhood we had in the offseason.
Joe Flacco Gets in First Practice With Browns
The Browns are trying to cover the void left by quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury on the offensive side of the ball. Veteran Joe Flacco, who was signed by the team this week, participated in his first practice on Wednesday.
Flacco has a long résumé and has expressed that he believes he can still have an influence.
“After practice, I still enjoy doing it a lot,” Flacco said to reporters. “I think I still have it in me to keep going and try to play the game I love until I really don’t feel like I can do that. I feel like I have stuff left in the tank.”
This week, youngster Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for the Browns, but if the rookie falters, Flacco might receive the start.
