Reports: Browns DL Desmond Bryant injured, out for the year

Not a great start to the season.

A few weeks before the start of training camp, the Cleveland Browns have likely lost a significant player for the 2016 season.

According to 92.3 The Fan and other outlets, defensive lineman Desmond Bryant tore a pectoral muscle late last week, and underwent surgery on Tuesday.

Bryant reportedly suffered the injury during an offseason workout. The injury has an average recovery time of 5-6 months.

The Harvard grad seemed to be a perfect fit in the Browns’ new analytical approach as a smart player with pass rushing skills. Bryant led the team with 6 sacks in 2015, despite missing two games due to a shoulder injury. The 7-year NFL veteran has 60 tackles and 14.5 sacks in three seasons with the Browns.

Second-year lineman Xavier Cooper, rookie end Carl Nassib, and John Hughes will likely compete for Bryant’s playing time. Cooper showed signs of talent last season, while Nassib showcased solid stuff at Penn State.

The Browns lost Armonty Bryant (not related) earlier in the offseason for four games, due to the lineman’s run-in with the law and the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy.

All of a sudden, the Browns have a way-too-thin corps at defensive end. The club will have to sign a player to fill out the depth chart.

Hopefully Desmond Bryant’s injury isn’t a sign of things to come in training camp starting on July 29.