Browns Sign 3-Time Super Bowl Champ to Bolster NFL’s Best Defense
On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns added veteran safety Duron Harmon to their roster, strengthening their league-best defense that is still recovering from a few injuries.
The Chicago Bears are 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.
Veteran safety Rodney McLeod suffered a season-ending injury before Harmon arrived. On November 19, in a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played despite 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.
Regarding their status, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remarked, “We’ll see.” Wednesday is the date.
Should Delpit and Thornhill be unable to travel, undrafted players D’Anthony Bell and rookie Ronnie Hickman players — would be in line to start.
The Browns also designated linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk to return from injured reserve, which will be key with Anthony Walker Jr. questionable.
Browns CB Denzel Ward Could Miss Time With Injury
Denzel Ward, a cornerback, is another important piece of the Browns’ secondary that they may be without. 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 for the Browns, they have two excellent cornerbacks in Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome 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. And as we’ve seen, this season has seen a number of tremendous player losses but I think it just is a credit to what we built in the offseason and it’s just that brotherhood.”
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 end 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 Flacco could get the nod if the rookie stumbles.
