Ben Tate Injury: Updates on Browns Star's Knee and Return

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 5

The Browns confirmed Ben Tate is active for Week 5:

Updates from Friday, Oct. 3

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal has the latest news on Tate:

Cleveland.com's Tom Reed has more:

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The running back said he'll have a better idea of his game-day availability Saturday

"It felt good, but like I said I'll have to see how it feels tomorrow," Tate said. "Tomorrow is going to be the test to see whether it swells up. I'd say questionable."

When asked if he was downgrading himself, he smiled and said, "Yeah."

Asked if he experienced any setbacks or swelling this week, Tate said, "Um, (I'm) just talking about the game."

If he plays, Tate isn't sure whether he will wear a brace on the knee.

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Updates from Thursday, Oct. 2

Head coach Mike Pettine spoke about Ben Tate, his health and his plans for the running back in Week 5, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal):

Mary Kay Cabot of Akron Beacon-Journal reported on Tate's status from Browns practice:

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 30

Kevin Jones of Browns.com has an update on Tate's status:

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal adds more:

Tate spoke about returning to the lineup in the starting role, via Ulrich:

Terrence West later spoke about Tate's return with Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan:

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 25

Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com provides a statement from Browns running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery discussing Ben Tate's role within the Browns when he returns from injury:

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That’s what we brought Tate here for, to be the starter. He’s the No. 1 running back in this offense. Right now, you can say we miss him. We miss his experience. We miss his leadership with the group. Speaking from that standpoint, we’ll be open arms and welcome to have Ben back into the fold.

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Updates from Sunday, Sept. 21

Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan confirms Ben Tate's status for Week 3:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 19

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal has the latest on Tate's status:

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 17

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer has the latest on Tate:

Pat McManamon of ESPN reported more on Tate's status for Week 3:

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The Cleveland Browns are taking a wait-and-see approach to the availability of tight end Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and linebacker Barkevious Mingo (shoulder) for Sunday's game against Baltimore. However, coach Mike Pettine said he does not expect Ben Tate (knee) to be ready to play. 

(...)

Tate will probably rest his injured knee this weekend and then take the bye week before coming back to play in Tennessee in Week 5. 

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Updates from Sunday, Sept. 14

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal confirms Ben Tate is inactive for Week 2:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 12

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has an update on Ben Tate:

Daryl Ruiter of CBS Cleveland provides commends from Tate:

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Tate came to Cleveland looking to ditch the “injury prone” label he was tagged with in Houston wile running in the shadow of Arian Foster.

“It’s football, man,” Tate said. “Sometimes you have to make the best of the cards you’re dealt. It was it is. It’s not like I wanted to get hurt. It’s not like I’ll be out for the whole season.

“I’ll be back. When I get back I’ll start right up where I left off.

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Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 10

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com provided a statement from Browns head coach Mike Pettine discussing Ben Tate's injury:

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal had the Browns' plan to replace Tate in the lineup:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously reported how long Tate could be sidelined due to his knee injury:

Original Text

The Cleveland Browns offense is without one of its main playmakers after running back Ben Tate left the team's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a knee injury. 

The Browns confirmed his exit:

Cleveland brought Tate in as part of a backfield makeover that also included using a third-round pick on Terrance West. The rookie will be forced to take on a much bigger role in the offense if the Auburn product is forced to miss games.

Tate showed a lot of promise during his time with the Houston Texans. He averaged a shade under five yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns in limited duty over three seasons. Dealing with various injuries prevented him from making an even bigger impact.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com noted the missed time, but he also thinks the back deserves some credit for fighting through pain:

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Durability is an issue with Tate having missed 24 games over his first four seasons. It's worth noting, though, that he selflessly played through the pain of broken ribs down the stretch last autumn. That grit is reflected in his running style: Tate's not a back who gives up with the ball in his hands.

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Unfortunately, the injury issues have come back once again. Now, the Browns have to wait for more information about how long this one could keep him out. Then there's always a concern the issue will linger once he's back in the lineup.

It's a disappointing setback for Tate. He was finally getting an opportunity to fill the role of featured player in an offense. Don Banks of Sports Illustrated talked with him before the season and asked him what he felt his strength was:

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Everything. I feel like I have the power to run inside. I feel like I'm fast enough to get outside. I feel like I catch the ball pretty well. I feel like I'm a complete back. And I think I'm going to finally get the opportunity to showcase that this year.

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Once the Browns make more information available about the severity of the injury, it will be easier to project the effect it will have on the offense. West figures to take on a more prominent role, but the team could use more of a committee approach as well.

Tate has proved he can be a major asset when healthy. But unless he can start avoiding injuries for an extended period, it will be tough for him to truly establish himself as a No. 1 back. For now, he'll worry about getting back on the field as soon as possible.