Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. left practice in an ambulance Wednesday after suffering a rib contusion. Strong, 25, was injured running through hanging tackling dummies, according to reports. He walked off the field with trainers and got into the ambulance as a precaution while experiencing shortness of breath. He later was released from University Hospitals. "Pierre has done a really nice job in special teams, a really nice job in the run game, pass protection, pass game, obviously has always been good in that area," Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said. Stefanski also confirmed that cornerback Denzel Ward has a concussion, his fifth. Ward has been in concussion protocol since Aug. 12. "We have a great medical team and great resources when guys are in that protocol, and I'm confident in that," Stefanski said. Stefanski also said that safety Ronnie Hickman is "close" to returning from an injury. Meanwhile, quarterback Deshaun Watson had some general arm soreness and was limited at practice on Wednesday. "I decided to hold back a little bit with him, but not overly concerned," Stefanski said of Watson. "He could have gone. He's feeling fine." Strong is the second Browns running back to leave practice in an ambulance. D'Onta Foreman was taken to the hospital with a neck injury early in training camp. He has since returned to action. The Browns acquired Strong in a trade with the New England Patriots in late August 2023. With Nick Chubb still on the physically unable to perform list, Strong is listed No. 2 on the Browns' depth chart behind Jerome Ford. Strong rushed for 291 yards and a touchdown in 17 games (one start) last season and caught five passes for 47 yards. --Field Level Media
Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports