Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers

After a 2024 season derailed by key injuries—including a season-ending knee injury to defensive tackle Maliek Collins and extended absences for cornerback Denzel Ward—the Cleveland Browns’ training staff has made a clear commitment: injury prevention is now their top priority. No longer just a secondary part of player care, prevention has become a cornerstone of the team’s offseason and in-season plans, with trainers investing in new technology, revamping workout routines, and emphasizing personalized care for every player. The goal is simple: keep the Browns’ core talent on the field, avoiding the costly absences that undermined their 2024 playoff hopes. Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers explores the lessons from last season’s injuries, the science-backed strategies trainers are using, position-specific prevention plans, player buy-in, and how this shift will impact the team’s success.

Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers opens with the stark lessons from 2024 that forced the training staff to refocus. The Browns lost 120 total player-games to injury last season, with 70% of those absences coming from key contributors: Collins (10 games), Ward (6 games), running back Nick Chubb (4 games), and safety Grant Delpit (4 games). Beyond the wins lost, these injuries exposed gaps in the team’s previous prevention approach—trainers realized their one-size-fits-all warmup routines and limited data tracking weren’t enough to address individual player risks. For example, Collins’ knee injury was preceded by three weeks of subtle decreases in mobility, which weren’t flagged early enough. “Last season was a turning point,” said Browns head trainer Joe Sheehan. “We had good care for injuries, but we weren’t doing enough to stop them before they happened. This year, prevention isn’t an add-on—it’s how we start every day.” The staff’s review of 2024 data led to a complete overhaul of their protocols, with a focus on proactivity over reactivity.

Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers delves into the cutting-edge technology and science-backed strategies the training staff has adopted. The team now uses wearable sensors—embedded in players’ practice jerseys and shoes—that track movement patterns, load on joints, and even heart rate variability to detect early signs of fatigue or strain. These sensors feed real-time data to a team of sports scientists, who can alert trainers if a player’s stride changes (a red flag for knee or ankle risk) or if their recovery metrics drop (indicating overtraining). Additionally, the Browns have added a cryotherapy chamber and contrast pools to their facility, helping players reduce inflammation and speed muscle recovery after practices. Trainers have also revamped pre-practice routines, replacing generic stretches with dynamic, position-specific warmups—for example, defensive linemen now do more hip mobility drills to protect against groin strains, while wide receivers focus on hamstring activation exercises. “Technology isn’t replacing our expertise—it’s enhancing it,” Sheehan explained. “We can now catch small issues before they become big injuries, which is a game-changer.”

Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers covers the position-specific prevention plans that target the team’s most injury-prone roles— a key focus for trainers. Running backs, who face high impact on every carry, now undergo weekly lower-body scans to monitor muscle tightness and joint health, and they’re limited to a set number of “high-contact” reps in practice. Offensive linemen, at risk for shoulder and knee injuries, work with strength coaches on core stability exercises to improve blocking form and reduce strain on joints. Defensive backs, prone to hamstring and ankle injuries, do daily agility drills that mimic game-time movements (like sudden cuts and backpedals) to build muscle memory and flexibility. For example, Ward—who missed time with a hamstring injury in 2024—now follows a personalized routine that includes extra hamstring stretches, foam rolling sessions, and targeted strength work for his glutes (which support hamstring health). “Position-specific plans mean we’re not just guessing—we’re addressing the unique risks each player faces,” said assistant trainer Maria Lopez. For the Cleveland Browns, this targeted approach is critical: it ensures that players in high-risk roles get the specialized care they need to stay healthy.

Another layer of Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers is the emphasis on player education and buy-in—without which even the best plans fail. The training staff now holds monthly “Injury Prevention 101” sessions, where players learn about how their bodies respond to stress, the importance of sleep and nutrition in recovery, and how to recognize early warning signs of injury (like persistent soreness or decreased range of motion). Trainers also work with each player to create personalized recovery plans that fit their lifestyle—for example, night owl players might adjust their sleep schedules to ensure 8 hours of rest, while players with dietary restrictions get custom meal plans to support muscle health. The result has been strong player engagement: 95% of the team now follows their personalized prevention routines, up from 65% in 2024. “When you explain why a drill or recovery step matters, players are more likely to do it,” Sheehan said. “They see this as an investment in their careers, not just a team rule.” For the Cleveland Browns, this buy-in turns prevention from a staff initiative into a team-wide commitment, making it far more effective.

Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers explores how this focus on prevention will impact the team’s 2025 season and beyond. A healthier roster means more consistency on the field—no more last-minute position changes or backups filling in for key players. For example, a healthy Collins and Ward will stabilize the defense, while a fit Chubb will keep the running game on track. Additionally, fewer injuries will reduce the team’s reliance on the practice squad, allowing the core roster to build better chemistry. The Browns’ front office has also noted the long-term benefits: investing in prevention can extend players’ careers, reducing the need for costly free-agent signings to replace injured talent. “Injury prevention isn’t just about winning this season—it’s about building a sustainable program,” said general manager Andrew Berry. For the Cleveland Browns, this shift also sends a message to current and future players: the team values their health and is willing to invest in keeping them on the field. This can help attract free agents who prioritize long-term career health, giving the Browns a competitive edge in roster building.

Injury Prevention Becomes Priority for the Cleveland Browns Trainers closes with a sense of optimism from the training staff and players alike. Early in the 2025 offseason, the Browns have already seen positive results: only two minor injuries (a pulled quad and a sprained ankle) in camp, compared to eight at the same point in 2024. Players like Collins and Ward report feeling stronger and more mobile than they did last year, crediting the new prevention routines. “I used to see the trainer’s room as a place to fix injuries,” Collins said. “Now it’s where we make sure I never get hurt in the first place. That’s a big difference.” For the Cleveland Browns, the training staff’s focus on injury prevention isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary shift to compete in the tough AFC North. By combining technology, science, and player buy-in, the trainers are building a foundation that will keep the team healthy, consistent, and in contention for years to come. And if it works, the Browns could finally put an end to the injury-plagued seasons that have held them back.