Barkevious Mingo Injury: Updates on Browns LB's Meniscus and Return

Cleveland Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo hasn't quite lived up to expectations during his two NFL seasons, and knee surgery for the former LSU standout put the Browns in a difficult position during the preseason.

He was able to return to practice on Aug. 31, according to Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com, and he is active for Week 1, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said on Aug. 31 it was good to see Mingo back in practice and that the linebacker was "truly...on pace" to play in Week 1, per Ulrich.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Aug. 6 the Browns were hopeful the No. 6 overall selection in the 2013 draft would miss only a month after undergoing surgery to repair what was thought to be a torn meniscus.

Paul Kruger, rookie second-round pick Nate Orchard and third-year player Armonty Bryant stand out as the top options Cleveland will likely lean on should Mingo need to ease back into his full-time role.

However, none of them have the talent or raw physical ability of Mingo, so Cleveland's defense should benefit from his dynamism in Week 1.

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