Cleveland defensive end Za’Darius Smith was carted off the field during the Browns’ Monday practice due to a knee contusion, but tests revealed no major structural damage.
The Browns expect Smith to be ready for the regular season and could be back sooner than expected after prescribed rest. Defensive end Marcus Haynes, 26, was signed to add depth during camp. Haynes spent parts of last season on the Browns’ and Houston Texans’ practice squads.
Smith was participating in red zone drills when the injury occurred.
In 16 games (all starts) last season, his first with Cleveland, Smith recorded 5.5 sacks, 27 tackles and a forced fumble.
Smith, 31, has played 123 games (80 starts) across nine NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022) and Cleveland. He has 60 sacks, 298 tackles, 15 passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career. Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
The Browns open the preseason on Saturday at home against the Packers.
–Field Level Media