The Cleveland Browns will be missing cornerback Greg Newsome for a significant portion of training camp and possibly the start of the season as he recovers from hamstring surgery.
Newsome sustained the injury during an off-site workout. The Browns placed him on the non-football injury list before camp and provided more details on Thursday, July 25.
“Hopefully we’ll have (Newsome) back for Week 1, but I’ll have more of an update as we get closer,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Training camp kicked off this week for the Browns at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. Star cornerback Denzel Ward noted that Newsome’s absence has been felt.
“Yeah, man, it hurt,” Ward said. “Greg’s a big energy guy for the team, a leader and a great player on the field. We’re just looking forward to getting him back as soon as possible, but wishing him the best. But yeah, it definitely hurt having him out.”
Newsome, entering his fourth season with the Browns, was their first-round pick in 2021. This offseason, the team picked up his fifth-year option after he set career highs in tackles (49), tackles for loss (4), pass breakups (14), and interceptions (2) last season. Newsome has proven himself as a reliable cornerback, although he’s been moved to the slot. With him out, second-year cornerback Cameron Mitchell will see more action.
“He didn’t play much as a rookie,” Ward said. “This is a great opportunity for him to step up with Greg out and get more reps. He got some playing time last year, rotating with Greg, and showed up. I’m confident in him at the nickel or corner spot without losing a step.”
Additionally, the Browns will be without defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who is set to have arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday, July 26.
“You don’t want to be without anybody,” Stefanski said of the injuries. “But we feel strongly about the roster and those positions, and we’ll get those guys back when they’re ready.”
Tomlinson’s return timeline is uncertain, but the Browns hope to have him back for their opener on September 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, an exciting training camp battle will unfold among Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst, Siaki Ika, Quinton Jefferson, and second-round pick Mike Hall Jr. to fill the gap.
The Browns started camp with seven players sidelined, including Newsome and Tomlinson. The others are safety D’Anthony Bell (shin), running back Nick Chubb (knee), and tackles Jack Conklin (knee) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee).