Cleveland’s defense faced an unexpected setback on Monday during training camp.
Defensive end Za’Darius Smith was driven off the field in a cart after injuring his left knee during practice, adding to the Browns’ challenges this summer.
Smith, who had 5 1/2 sacks last season in his first year with Cleveland, seemed to get hurt during a red zone drill. As quarterback Deshaun Watson was moving around, Smith got tangled up with blockers along the offensive line.
He left the field while holding his left knee and was examined by an athletic trainer. The 31-year-old Smith was clearly in pain as he sat in the front passenger seat of the cart being taken to the training facility.
The Browns reported that Smith has a bruised knee and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Coach Kevin Stefanski, who spoke before the practice, was not available to comment on Smith’s injury.
Smith made a significant impact in 2023 after being traded from Minnesota.
Playing alongside Myles Garrett, Smith drew double teams that disrupted opponents, helping Cleveland’s defense finish first overall before a tough playoff performance against Houston.
On Sunday, Smith expressed frustration over missing several sack opportunities while playing with Garrett, the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year.
“This was something that I was talking to Myles about, last year I missed a lot of sacks,” he said. “I had a lot of opportunity to make sacks and I didn’t take that extra step, but this year for sure, I’m working on that to get better.
“I for sure want double-digit sacks, but it’s a team sport, so I just want the whole D-line and the whole defense and the whole team to be great. So it’s not all about me, but hopefully we can get double-digit sacks this year.”
A three-time Pro Bowler, Smith has 60 career sacks over nine seasons with Baltimore, Green Bay, Minnesota, and Cleveland. He signed a two-year, $23 million contract in March.
Just before Smith’s injury, defensive end Sam Kamara also left the field with an unspecified injury and was taken back to the facility by a trainer.
