Joe Haden likely out Week 6 against Denver

By Josh Poloha

For Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, the injuries just keep piling up. In the Browns’ Sunday afternoon victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Pro Bowler suffered a concussion, which will most likely cause him to miss Week 6, when the Browns host the undefeated Denver Broncos.

On Haden’s concussion protocol, Browns head coach Mike Pettine said, “As you look over time, that’s accurate—I’d say that (one game) would be average.”

Haden suffered the concussion on the first play of the fourth quarter on Sunday and immediately went to the locker room for exams. He did not return to the game. After being listed inactive for Week 4 with a broken finger, the Pro Bowler decided to play through the broken ring finger and play in the Browns’ Week 5 matchup in Baltimore.

So far this season, the Browns’ top cornerback has started four games and tallied 15 tackles, four assists, two passes defended and a fumble recovery. Although he still has all week to pass through the protocol, it will be up to an independent specialist to determine if the University of Florida graduate can suit up on Sunday against the Broncos. Going up against a Denver receiving group that includes Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders (and Peyton Manning throwing the them), Haden will surely be missed if he does in fact have to miss the upcoming week.

If Haden does not suite up against Denver, he will most likely return Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams. Pierre Desir will likely start in Haden’s absence, like he did in Week 4.

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