Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo was never the same last season after injuring his shoulder on the second play of the year against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After wearing a constricting harness that left him using one arm against an onslaught of NFL running backs and pass-catchers, Mingo said Tuesday night that offseason arthroscopic surgery has him "pretty close to all-go" for the start of the team's voluntary workouts next week, per NFL Media's Nick Shook.
Mingo acknowledged that he still doesn't possess full range of motion in the labrum, but called his level of discomfort "night and day" after surgery.
"Now I've got a lot of rest and got it fixed," Mingo told The Chronicle-Telegram. "Next year's going to be a different story."
During Cleveland's uniform release on Tuesday, we couldn't help but notice how slender Mingo appears, looking more like a wideout than an edge rusher. Browns coach Mike Pettine called the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder's "ability to put weight on" a "priority" heading into last season. At first blush, that remains a concern.
Mingo was used last season as a quarterback-chasing specialist who regularly dropped back into pass coverage. He doesn't expect his role to change, but Mingo is under pressure to make the leap after Jabaal Sheard left for greener pastures with the Patriots.
With just seven sacks over two seasons, Mingo -- the team's first-round pick from 2013 -- has yet to live up to his pedigree, but Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil called him the player he's most excited to see come September, telling the team's official website: "I see him downstairs every day rehabbing his (tail) off."
If Cleveland hopes to emerge from the cellar of the AFC North, a breakout year from Mingo is critical.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses the Philip Rivers-Marcus Mariota trade speculation and plays "What's More Likely?" Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
