The Cleveland Browns drafted outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo to help reinvigorate a pass rush that has slept soundly for years. All plans for the prized rookie are on hold for at least another week.
Coach Rob Chudzinski told reporters Friday that the sixth overall pick in April's draft won't play in Sunday's opener against the Miami Dolphins because of the bruised lung he suffered in the preseason.
Mingo has been limited all week in practice, and looms as a much stronger possibility to suit up for Cleveland's Week 2 fight with the Baltimore Ravens.
Asked Friday if he underwent additional medical testing this week, Mingo declined comment. "That's personal," he said, per The Associated Press.
Chud also told reporters that defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin is questionable with a calf injury, and starting cornerback Buster Skrine is questionable with an injured shoulder. Losing Skrine would be especially costly, considering Cleveland's paper-thin secondary.
Without Mingo in the lineup, the Browns will stick with starters Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard on the edges, dipping Quentin Groves into action on passing downs. With or without the rookie, coordinator Ray Horton's defense promises to take chances against Dolphins passer Ryan Tannehill. Horton is a gambler, operating a boom-or-bust scheme that hopes to award Browns fans with their first Week 1 victory since 2004.
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