Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper left Thursday’s joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings early after suffering an unspecified injury, raising concerns about his availability as the regular season approaches. The 30-year-old Cooper, who has been a key player for the Browns since joining the team, caught a short pass from quarterback Deshaun Watson and was heard yelling after planting and cutting on the grass. Despite the obvious discomfort, Cooper remained on the field for a few more plays before walking off with the assistance of a trainer.
When asked about Cooper’s condition, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was terse, describing the injury as “sore” without offering further details. The lack of specifics has left fans and analysts anxious, especially given Cooper’s importance to the team. Last season, Cooper was one of the top performers for the Browns, hauling in 72 receptions for 1,250 yards. His presence is crucial to the Browns’ offensive strategy, and his leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture.
Cooper’s potential absence could deal a significant blow to the Browns’ plans for the upcoming season, particularly after the team restructured his contract at the start of training camp to secure his future in Cleveland. In his two seasons with the Browns, Cooper has been nothing short of reliable, amassing 150 catches for 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns. As one of Cleveland’s top offensive threats, any prolonged absence could severely impact the team’s passing game and overall performance.
However, Cooper wasn’t the only Browns player to suffer an injury during Thursday’s practice. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst also left the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. Like Cooper, the extent of Hurst’s injury remains unclear, as Stefanski did not provide an update on his status. Hurst’s potential loss would further complicate the Browns’ defensive line, an area where depth and health are paramount.
Adding to the team’s woes, rookie defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr. was notably absent from practice on Thursday after suffering a stinger in one of Wednesday’s 11-on-11 drills. Hall, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, was expected to contribute significantly to the Browns’ defensive rotation this season. However, his participation in practice has drawn criticism following his recent legal troubles. Hall was arrested on Tuesday and charged with domestic violence after allegedly holding a gun to his fiancée’s head during an argument. Despite the severity of the charges, the Browns allowed Hall to take part in practice, a decision that has been widely condemned.
Hall is due back in court on September 10, but his immediate future with the Browns remains uncertain. When asked whether Hall’s injury might sideline him for an extended period, Stefanski replied, “potentially,” leaving open the possibility that the rookie could miss significant time.
The series of injuries and off-field issues could not have come at a worse time for the Browns, who are gearing up for a highly competitive season in the AFC North. The uncertainty surrounding key players like Cooper, Hurst, and Hall adds to the challenges that Cleveland will need to navigate as they prepare for the regular season.
As the Browns continue their preseason preparations, all eyes will be on the health and legal status of these players. For now, the team and its fans are left hoping for positive updates, particularly regarding Cooper, whose impact on the field could be the difference between a successful season and another year of frustration in Cleveland.