Pair of Browns defenders undergo knee surgery

Every team across the league is hoping to stay as healthy as possible throughout training camp and preseason but the Browns will be without two second-year defenders for some time.

Defensive ends Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas, two of the players from Cleveland's 2022 draft class, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday. 

There is some good news, however. Both players are expected to return at some point "early in the season."

Wright, a former third-round pick, had 28 tackles, one fumble recovery and five passes defensed as a rookie. The 22-year-old was serving as the backup to DE Za'Darius Smith before he got injured.

Thomas may have a more difficult time returning to the 53-man roster as a former seventh-round pick. The 24-year-old had just nine tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery as a rookie and is listed as the backup to Wright.

Luckily, the Browns should be just fine in both players' absences after rebuilding the defensive line this offseason with the additions of DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Siaki Ika, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo and Smith.

Cleveland is certainly hoping this isn't a sign of what's to come. The team has high aspirations for the 2023 season and injuries can derail it quickly.

If the Browns can stay mostly healthy the rest of the way, they may just shock the league in a loaded AFC.