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The Cleveland Browns will be without two of their starting-caliber defensive players this Monday against the Washington Redskins, and both players could be out the rest of the preseason. Defensive end Desmond Bryant has been bothered by a wrist injury, and cornerback Buster Skrine injured his thumb during Friday's practice:
Pettine: Skrine should be available for the September 7 opener, thumb injury. Desmond Bryant waiting for 2nd opinion on wrist injury.
— Zac Jackson (@FSOhioZJackson) August 16, 2014
When asked whether Skrine would require surgery, head coach Mike Pettine said that he should know by the end of the day. Either way, it sounds like the coaching staff is confident he can be ready for the season-opener against the Steelers. If Skrine is idle, though, it gives rookie cornerback Justin Gilbert a golden opportunity to seize the starting role heading into the year.
No duration was offered on Bryant's wrist injury, other than the fact that he's seeking a second medical opinion. I'm no expert on the different types of wrist injuries and recovery times, but I do know that Bills DE Mario Williams had surgery back in 2012 on his wrist during the middle of the season, and he did not miss any games from it. That's be great if that were the case from Bryant, but if it's not, the "other" Bryant -- Armonty Bryant -- would likely see a boost in playing time.