The Cleveland Browns have received very good news on linebacker Jabaal Sheard.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported Wednesday that a second opinion has revealed that Sheard does not need surgery on his injured foot, according to a source who has spoken to the player. Initially thought to be lost for the season, Sheard might miss just one week, and there's even a chance he suits up Sunday, per Rapoport.
Sheard's improved prognosis represents a huge sigh of relief for the Browns, who just lost inside linebacker Karlos Dansby for up to a month due to a knee injury suffered in Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Houston Texans.
The Browns hope to have Dansby back and healthy for the stretch run. As for Sheard, he will replaced by former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons if he's a no go.
Cleveland could use some of Mingo's untapped potential in an important road matchup.
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