The Cleveland Browns are off to a rough start to the 2024 NFL season at 1-5.
They have struggled on both sides of the ball but could be getting one of their best defensive players back soon.
According to the team’s official site, veteran safety Juan Thornhill has been designated to return to practice.
He recorded nine tackles in the season opener before being placed on injured reserve with a calf injury.
We’ve designated S Juan Thornhill for return to practice
📰 » https://t.co/8UBzq5m0fd pic.twitter.com/gtzQDtRfFS
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 16, 2024
Thornhill now has 21 days to be added to the active roster.
Despite the Browns’ struggles, the defense is still very talented, and getting Thornhill back could make a big impact.
A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, the 28-year-old has played in just 12 games in his two seasons with the Browns but has the potential to lock down the back end of the defense.
Before this season, he recorded almost 190 total tackles, 13 passes defended, and four interceptions across the previous three seasons.
Bringing him back to a defense that already includes Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Denzel Ward could be what Cleveland needs to turn things around.
Of course, the Browns did just trade star wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, so the offense might continue to struggle until they can develop a consistent game plan with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
But Browns fans should feel better knowing their best safety could be returning to the field in the near future.
