According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Cleveland Browns 4th round CB Howard Wilson received somewhat good news today, all things considered. While it was initially thought his broken kneecap might force him to miss six months of action (and likely the entire 2017 season), now the decision was made for him not to have surgery.
#Browns DB Howard Wilson's slightly fractured kneecap wasn't as bad as initially feared, source said. Recovery/healing should take 12-16 wks
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 18, 2017
If we take the maximum recovery time of 16 weeks, that would be just before Week 1 of the season. Rapoport said there is a chance that Wilson could return near midseason, which would presumably be the amount of time he needs to actually get acclimated to Gregg Williams’ defensive system and in game shape. Also, unless Cleveland suffers an injury at the position, it might be difficult for him to see the field ahead of Joe Haden, Jason McCourty, Jamar Taylor, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun.