Joel Bitonio Injury: Updates on Browns OL's Recovery from Foot Surgery

Cleveland Browns starting left guard Joel Bitonio suffered a foot injury against the New England Patriots in Week 5. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 14 and has since had surgery.

Continue for updates.

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Bitonio Undergoes Surgery, Latest on Recovery Timeline

Tuesday, Oct. 18

Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer reported that Bitonio underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a Lisfranc midfoot injury. She also reported that Bitonio is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2017-18 season.

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Bitonio Comments on Injury

Friday, Oct. 14

Bitonio said the injury was "crappy," but he plans to come back "stronger" next season, according to Cabot.

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Browns Struggling to Stay Healthy in 2016

The 25-year-old started Cleveland's first five games this season and was a driving force behind the NFL's fifth-ranked rushing offense spearheaded by running back Isaiah Crowell.

Bitonio started all 16 games as a rookie in 2014, but he was limited to 10 contests last year because of an ankle injury.

Recently acquired Jonathan Cooper could get a look.

The Browns claimed Cooper off waivers from the New England Patriots on Oct. 10, and while his career has not gone as expected, he was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Cleveland's season is already quickly slipping away with a record of 0-6, and with one of its most reliable offensive linemen out of action, the downward spiral figures to continue.

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