Joe Haden Injury: Updates on Browns Star's Ankle and Return

Timothy RappJul 26, 2016

Cleveland Browns star cornerback Joe Haden started training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. However, he has been added to the active roster and appears to be ready to return to game action.

Continue for updates.

Latest on Haden's Playing Status

Friday, Aug. 26

The Browns did not list Haden among the players who were expected to be out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday.

Latest on Haden's Practice Status

Sunday, Aug. 14

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Haden participated in practice Aug. 14.

Jackson Comments on Haden's Recovery

Thursday, July 28

Browns head coach Hue Jackson told reporters Haden is "chomping at the bit" and is "very close" to returning to full strength.

Injuries, Poor Play Marred Last Season for Haden

Haden, 27, appeared in just five games for the Browns in the 2015 season, registering just 22 tackles and a fumble recovery. After he had missed a total of eight games in his first five seasons, a series of concussions cost him 11 games last year before he underwent ankle surgery in March.

Another concern, however, is how poorly Haden played when he was healthy last season. Pro Football Focus graded him with an abysmal 32.3 mark, and Bryson Vesnaver of the site wrote the following in November:

"
Haden hasn’t played in many games this year, but when he has, the Browns would have been better off with him not suiting up. Haden is averaging just 6.2 cover snaps per reception, which is the fourth-lowest in the NFL. What’s more, his 2.60 yards per cover snaps allowed is the most in the NFL. Quarterbacks targeting Haden are 24-for-31 for 387 yards and four touchdowns. That’s a QB rating of 158.2. Quarterbacks in the NFL this season have been 0.1 point off of being absolutely perfect throwing at Joe Haden.
"

Despite his struggles in 2015, the Browns are still a better football team with Haden on the field. The days of describing him as a superstar lockdown corner may be in the past, but Haden is still a solid veteran option at the position. And his continual injury issues are now a major point of worry in Cleveland.

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