Browns WR suffers another serious leg injury on kickoff return

The Cleveland Browns had high hopes for Jakeem Grant as a return man when they signed him as a free agent prior to the 2022 season. So far, they have yet to see him play in a regular-season game, and based on what happened Saturday afternoon they will have to wait even longer. 

Grant was carted off the field with an air cast on his leg after he was injured on the game's opening kickoff. After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Grant suffered a “significant” knee injury, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported it is a "serious patella injury" and that Grant is in danger of missing the entire season.

It was a devastating thing to see for Grant because he had just worked himself back onto the field after missing the entire 2022 season due to a torn Achilles that he suffered in last year's training camp.

Prior to joining the Browns, Grant was one of the best returners in football and even earned a Pro Bowl nod during the 2019 season when he was a member of the Miami Dolphins. He has six return touchdowns (punt and kick) in his career with the Dolphins and Chicago Bears. 

Along with his ability as a return man, he has also been a formidable wide receiver during his career.

Along with the terrible luck for Grant and the Browns, his injury on Saturday is another reminder as to why the NFL is looking to reduce the number of kickoff returns that actually happen during games. Kickoff returns are regarded as one of the most dangerous plays in the sport, and new rules have been implemented to cut down on them. Starting this season, teams can call for a fair catch on kicks that land inside the 25-yard line and automatically start their next possession at their own 25-yard line. 

That rule has not really been utilized at all during the preseason as players try to show what they can do, and coaches want their kick coverage and return teams to get in work. 

It remains to be seen how that strategy will shift when the real games start in two weeks in the regular season. Following news of Grant's injury, perhaps teams will be more eager to do so.