Cleveland Browns Lose Top Draft Pick Anthony Schwartz
Wide Receiver Suffers Season-Ending Injury
The Cleveland Browns have suffered a major setback just days before the start of the regular season, as top draft pick Anthony Schwartz has been ruled out for the year with a torn ACL. The injury occurred during practice on Monday, and Schwartz underwent surgery on Tuesday.
Schwartz was expected to play a significant role in the Browns' offense this season, and his loss is a major blow. The team had been counting on him to stretch the field and provide a deep threat for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Browns' Options at Wide Receiver
With Schwartz out, the Browns will now have to look to other receivers to step up. Jarvis Landry is the team's leading receiver, but he is more of a possession receiver than a deep threat. Odell Beckham Jr. is also expected to play a big role, but he is still recovering from a torn ACL of his own.
Other receivers on the roster include Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Ja'Marcus Bradley. Higgins is a reliable receiver, but he is not a burner. Peoples-Jones has shown some flashes, but he is still relatively inexperienced. Bradley is a rookie who has yet to prove himself in the NFL.
Schwartz's Injury Timeline
Schwartz is expected to miss the entire 2021 season. He will likely begin rehab in the offseason, and he could be ready to return for the start of the 2022 season.
Browns' Outlook for 2021
The Browns' outlook for 2021 has taken a hit with Schwartz's injury. However, the team still has a lot of talent, and they should be able to compete for a playoff spot. The Browns have a strong defense, and they have a good running game led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Conclusion
The Browns' loss of Schwartz is a major setback, but it is not a fatal blow. The team still has a lot of talent, and they should be able to compete for a playoff spot. The Browns will need to find other receivers to step up, but they have the talent to do so.