Joe Thomas Injury: Updates on Browns OT's Back and Return

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas was dealing with a back injury that kept him out of preseason action, but he is expected to return to game action. 

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Thomas' Playing Status

Friday, Aug. 26

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

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Latest on Thomas' Practice Status

Sunday, Aug. 21

Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com reported Thomas participated in Sunday's session.

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Thomas Is One Of Browns' Most Valuable Players

In his 10th NFL season, Thomas is widely viewed as one of the best offensive tackles in football. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first nine campaigns and has eight All-Pro selections, six of which have come on the first team.

"Joe has done a tremendous job here, and Joe would be the first to tell you that there are certain things that he knows that I expect from him, and he’s done them all," Browns coach Hue Jackson said, per Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. 

Thomas has been remarkably healthy throughout his NFL career, appearing in all 144 of his regular-season contests. Even his stints on the injury report have been minimal—a miracle for someone at the most demanding offensive line position.