The Cleveland Browns won their preseason game Thursday night, but at the expense of several costly injuries. Running back Dion Lewis is out indefinitely with a fractured fibula, rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo was hospitalized with a bruised lung, and offensive guard Jason Pinkston had to be carted off the sideline with a right ankle injury. Any of the three injuries, if proven to be serious, would be a serious blow to the Browns.
Browns injuries: Dion Lewis fractures fibula, Barkevious Mingo has bruised lung
The Browns won Thursday, but a good night for Brandon Weeden was marred by a spate of potentially serious injuries to Dion Lewis, Barkevious Mingo and Jason Pinkston.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Lewis had been practicing as the team's No. 2 running back with Montario Hardesty out for a few weeks to recover from a knee scope. He played well against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, picking up 33 yards on five carries for a healthy 6.6 YPC. If Lewis sits for an extended period of time, Brandon Jackson will likely become the de facto No. 2 behind Trent Richardson.
Mingo is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Browns this season, provided he can stay healthy. He was drafted No. 6 overall in April and has the potential to be a force in the league after seasoning.
Pinkston started Thursday's game at right tackle, though technically he was filling in for Shawn Lauvao, who is expected to miss the part of the regular season while recovering from ankle surgery. The Browns may now be down two key players along the interior offensive line, which is bad news for an offensive planning to rely on a powerful rushing attack. Garrett Gilkey filled in at right guard when Pinkston left the game.
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