Cleveland Browns Starting Safety Grant Delpit Suffers Shoulder Injury in Preseason Collision, Uncertainty Surrounds Replacement
The Cleveland Browns have been hit with the preseason injury bug once again, as starting safety Grant Delpit suffered a shoulder injury during a collision in team drills. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, as teams are not required to disclose specific injury information until next month.
Delpit, who was selected by the Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft, played a key role in the team’s defense last season. He started 16 of the 17 regular-season games, making 105 tackles, breaking up 10 passes, and leading the defense with four interceptions.
With Delpit’s status uncertain, the Browns are faced with the challenge of finding a replacement. The current preseason depth chart lists D’Anthony Bell as the backup to Delpit, but there are predictions that undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman could claim the roster spot instead.
Hickman’s emergence would likely move 11-year NFL veteran Rodney McLeod into the starting role, at least initially. McLeod is currently listed as the backup free safety.
The Browns’ secondary performed well last season, ranking 10th in the NFL in yards allowed. However, there were some notable mistakes that cost the team victories, including a collapse against the New York Jets. The upcoming campaign in the competitive AFC North Division will put added pressure on the Browns’ secondary, especially with the current injury concerns at the safety position.
Notably, Hickman also suffered a potential concussion during the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 17. It remains to be seen how this injury might impact his availability.
The Browns will need their secondary to perform at a high level to compete in a challenging division, and the health of their safeties will be a critical factor. As they navigate Delpit’s injury and potential replacements, the team will be hoping for a speedy recovery and smooth transition to ensure the strength of their defense going into the new season.
