Broncos OLB Baron Browning to Begin Season on PUP List
Denver Broncos starting outside linebacker Baron Browning's on-field absence will be of the extended variety.
Head coach Sean Payton revealed Tuesday that Browning, who recently underwent knee surgery, is expected to open the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list — a development that catalyzed the team's addition of former Chiefs OLB Frank Clark.
"I’m not going to give updates on injuries, but yes. Obviously, he is someone who will start the season on PUP," Payton told reporters following Day 1 of mandatory minicamp. "Outside of that, I think that had a little bit to do with it, and that’s part of the deal.”
9NEWS' Mike Klis reported last week that Browning had an arthroscopic procedure to repair a partially torn meniscus, and while there was initial hope he could return during training camp, the start of the season was considered "in question." Klis provided more details Tuesday, confirming Browning was injured amid Phase 2 of Denver's strength-and-conditioning program.
Browning has been no stranger to medical maladies since entering the NFL as a 2021 third-round pick. He missed three games during his rookie year and another three last season, battling a hip issue and back spasms.
When healthy, though, Browning has shown to be a pass-rushing force. Converting from inside linebacker to EDGE full-time in 2022, the Ohio State product tallied 18 quarterback pressures, 12 QB hits, six hurries, and 5.0 sacks across 60% of the team's defensive snaps. He added eight tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one interception.
With Browning sidelined, Clark will assume first-string reps opposite Randy Gregory before likely settling into a role as the Broncos' specialized edge rusher.
“[He is] a pressure player and someone that I remember doing a lot of work on when he was coming out in the draft," Payton said of Clark. "We followed him, obviously, in Seattle first and then in Kansas City. It’s one of the areas that we paid close attention to. We’ll find a role within what we are doing and where he can help us. I think it’s always a challenge to find those guys who you can say are pressure players, but he is one of them."
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