If there is one area of the team where the Cleveland Browns can’t afford a major injury, it is arguably at cornerback. There is very little experienced depth behind starters Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.
That is why there was a great deal of concern when Campbell sat out practice on Thursday with an ankle injury. About to face former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland needs as much stability as it can get in the secondary.
According to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, the Browns got good news about Campbell, who was able to return to practice on Friday.
“Browns DB coach/pass game specialist Brandon Lynch said CB Tyson Campbell (ankle) looked good in walkthrough today. Didn’t practice Thursday,” Petrak posted.
Browns DB coach/pass game specialist Brandon Lynch said CB Tyson Campbell (ankle) looked good in walkthrough today. Didn't practice Thursday.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) September 18, 2026
Campbell is listed as questionable for the game on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Lynch said Noah Igbinoghene, Mekhi Blackmon and Myles Harden would be options if Campbell is ruled out.
Facing his former team in Week 1, Campbell was third on the Browns with seven combined tackles in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Safety Ronnie Hickman was second with eight tackles, behind linebacker Carson Schwesinger’s 10, and Ward was tied for fourth with five tackles, showing how much the defense struggled in the embarrassing 34-10 defeat.
According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell surrendered three catches on three targets for 43 yards. He played 100 percent of the Browns’ defensive snaps against Jacksonville, so it is unclear when he may have suffered his injury.
Campbell was traded to the Browns during last season. In 12 games with Cleveland, he had 53 combined tackles and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
While the Browns offense rightfully has taken much of the blame for the disappointing Week 1 performance, the defense also did not live up to its end of the bargain. In particular, newcomer Jared Verse was noticeable for his lack of impact, with no sacks, QB hits, or pressures in his Cleveland debut as the replacement for Myles Garrett.
The Browns’ defensive backfield may be under attack as Mayfield seeks revenge against the team that discarded him, so it will need Campbell at his best to stand up to the potential high volume of passes.
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