The expectation was the Cleveland Browns would place defensive end Alex Wright would go on injured reserve to start the season after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee for an injury suffered during the preseason. Even if they didn't put him on IR, he might need to be out for a week or few into the regular season. Wright returned to practice for the Browns Thursday over a week before the start of the regular season.
Just how much Wright is able to do at this point is still a question mark, but even if he's only doing individual drills, that would be a boost for the Browns. The second-year defensive end is expected to be rotational base end that can help to stop the run and win at the line of scrimmage.
For a defensive line that has Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, that would be a valuable contribution. Wright can potentially play in some heavier run situations, which allows the rotation to stay fresher to attack the passer.
Wright also has some experience kicking inside to rush the passer. That may still happen, but it's not nearly as important for the Browns currently. Za'Darius Smith is going to be rushing from the interior often and the team has added players like Maurice Hurst who can attack the quarterback from that spot.
Wright is a big bodied end with length who also has a knack for getting his hands up to knock down passes. The fact that he's back at practice doesn't guarantee that he will be ready for week one; that's something to monitor, but he seems to be ahead of schedule in terms of his recovery.
This also explains why the Browns have guard Michael Dunn on the practice squad. The team placed linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk on injured reserve as he works to recover from a torn MCL. That enabled them to bring back Maurice Hurst to the active roster. Had Wright been placed on IR, Dunn would likely be on the active roster.
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