Justin Gilbert Injury: Updates on Browns CB's Hip and Return

Justin Gilbert left practice on Aug. 18 with a hip flexor injury, which has forced him to miss the first two weeks of the regular season, and was also battling a hamstring issue. Thankfully for Browns fans, he was active for Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said on Sept. 24 that Gilbert was "having a good week," according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer. The coach noted Gilbert is "fully recovered" from his injury and is "stacking together good practices."

Gilbert notched only a single interception during his rookie campaign and fell behind Pierre Desir on the depth chart as the year progressed. While the upside is still there with Gilbert, the combination of his camp struggles and this hip injury means the other members of the secondary must carry more of the load until he settles in.

Fortunately for Browns fans, the secondary was a strong point last season and finished eighth in the league in total pass defense. Cornerback Joe Haden is a superstar, new addition Tramon Williams is a proven commodity from his time with the Green Bay Packers and safeties Donte Whitner and Tashaun Gipson form a solid tandem as well.

Youngsters Desir and K'Waun Williams also bring speed and instincts to the Cleveland defense and can play for Gilbert should he miss more game action.