Barkevious Mingo's return to the field for the Cleveland Browns remains a mystery.
The rookie outside linebacker is nursing a bruised lung he suffered during Thursday's 24-6 preseason win over the Detroit Lions. Browns coach Rob Chudzinski admitted Tuesday he isn't sure when Mingo will be back.
"Basically, the bottom line with KeKe is nobody really knows," Chudzinski told reporters, per The Plain Dealer. "It's just how his body is going to heal."
A source told Mary Kay Cabot that the Browns expect Mingo to return to practice in a week or two, but Chudzinski offered no timeline, saying: "We're just waiting. Everybody's body heals differently and at a different rate."
Mingo said Wednesday he was feeling better -- but added he had never experienced symptoms like those he felt Thursday, Tom Withers of The Associated Press reported. Mingo is listening to doctors and waiting to get back on the field, he said, while trying to stay positive.
Mingo's first NFL preseason effectively is over. Slated to play an important role as a situational pass rusher, Mingo will be treated with kid gloves. The only date that matters now is Sept. 8, when the Miami Dolphins roll into town for the season opener. Until then, Barkevious exists in the shadows.
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