Key Browns Defensive Player Leaves Practice On Cart After Apparent Knee Injury

The Cleveland Browns saw multipe players leave practice due to injury on Monday

Aug 4, 2024; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The bumps and bruises are piling up for the Browns at training camp.

Veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith became the latest player to leave practice due to an injury during the Browns ninth practice of training camp on Monday. Smith was seen favoring his left knee at the end of a play during goal line work late in the session and wound up being taken inside on the medical cart.

While initial fears were that the injury could have been more serious, the team revealed that Smith had suffered a "knee contusion," and he'll be re-evaluated tomorrow before the team practices in the late afternoon.

Another week begins and I've got 4 more Burning Browns Questions to answer, including whether or not Deshaun Watson should play in the preseason.

More content to come today from out in Berea. https://t.co/smVnpe7SvL

— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) August 5, 2024

Smith was in and out of the goal line session of practice as the team rotated through the first, second and third team on both sides of the ball. In the final play he participated, Smith eased up on sacking quarterback Deshaun Watson and was later captured on the ground holding his knee. Eventually the trainers came over to attend to Smith and he wound up being taken inside on the cart.

Fellow defensive lineman Sam Kamara also had to leave practice with an undisclosed injury. Kamara was seen walking off the field with a member of the team's training staff.

Smith is gearing up for his second season with the Browns after being acquired via trade last offseason. The 31-year-old amassed 27 total tackles, 20 QB hits and 5.5 sacks last season. Back in March he re-signed with the franchise on a two-year, $23 million deal. The nine-year veteran has continually cited "unfinished business" as one of the major reasons for wanting to return to Cleveland.