Browns rookie WR Corey Coleman fractures hand during practice

ByPat McManamon ESPN logo
Thursday, September 22, 2016

BEREA, Ohio --Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Corey Colemanfractured his hand during practice on Wednesday.

According to Cleveland.com -- which first reported the injury -- the team's first-round draft pick broke his hand when he caught a pass and someone came down on it during practice.

"An X-ray late this afternoon on Corey Coleman's hand revealed a fracture," the team said in a statement. "He was a full participant in today's practice. The injury is being further evaluated in order to determine when he will return to play."

Coleman, a former Baylor standout who was selected 15th by the Browns in this year's draft, had a strong game in Sunday's 25-20 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, catching five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Though the Browns won't be sure how long Coleman will be out until he is evaluated on Thursday, it would be impossible for a receiver to play with any kind of significant protection on a broken bone. Specifics on the injury -- which hand and which bone -- are not yet known.

Recovery depends on the fracture, location of the fracture, Coleman's pain tolerance and whether surgery is required. In some cases, immediate surgery and the placement of a plate and/or screws can be a positive.

Julio Jones is an example of how surgery can help. He broke a bone in his hand in college, had surgery immediately and played the following Saturday -- though he was not his usual self. That's the extreme example on the positive side.

Coleman's injury continues a streak of misfortune that is a lot for any team in two games -- even the Browns.

Quarterback Josh McCown suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday's loss to Baltimore, and center Cameron Erving spent the night in the hospital after being diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion.

Defensive lineman Carl Nassib also had surgery to repair a broken bone in his hand, and will miss at least this week. In the opener, Robert Griffin III broke the coracoid bone in his left shoulder and was placed on injured reserve.

Heading into the third game of the season Sunday in Miami, the Browns have lost two quarterbacks, their first-round pick (Coleman) and third-round pick (Nassib) to injury.