Browns Greg Newsome Assumes Larger Role After Emerson Season-Ending Injury

Greg Newsome II is set to take on a larger role with the Cleveland Browns following a season-ending Achilles injury to teammate Martin Emerson Jr., who had been the starting boundary cornerback. Newsome, a first-round pick in 2021, had been primarily playing the nickel corner position but will now move back to the outside opposite Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. Despite a down 2024 season and trade rumors, Newsome has expressed a strong commitment to remain a Brown for life and is focused on improving his performance this year to earn a lucrative contract extension. He recently suffered a minor shoulder injury in training camp but is expected to be day-to-day and available for the start of the season. The Browns coaching staff is evaluating other young corners like Cam Mitchell, Myles Harden, and Tony Brown II to fill the nickel spot vacated by Newsome's move outside. Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the importance of players earning their roles during training camp while expressing confidence in both Newsome and Emerson's recoveries.