Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. has been discharged from the hospital after being taken away in an ambulance following Wednesday’s practice, according to Kelsey Russo of clevelandbrowns.com.
The team reported that Strong was taken to the hospital as a precaution due to experiencing shortness of breath. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski later mentioned that Strong is dealing with a rib contusion.
Zac Jackson and Amos Morale III of The Athletic were the first to report that Strong had to leave practice in an ambulance due to the injury.
According to their report, “Strong walked into the practice facility with a Browns training staff member before being placed in an ambulance stationed next to the field. The ambulance left a few minutes later. No further details about the incident are available.”
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com added that Strong “walked into the fieldhouse holding his abdomen while a trainer supported his back” after the injury occurred during an individual drill.
Strong, 25, is part of a crowded running back group in Cleveland, which includes Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, D’Onta Foreman, and Nyheim Hines.
If he makes the team, he may have limited opportunities on offense, although he rushed 63 times for 291 yards and a touchdown last season, partly due to Chubb’s season-ending knee injury.
He also plays a significant role on special teams for the Browns and is likely to be considered for kick returner duties if he remains on the 53-man roster.
While Strong may face a prolonged recovery period, it appears he has avoided the worst.