Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo to have knee surgery

BEREA, Ohio (AP) Barkevious Mingo has been knocked down by another injury.

The Browns' linebacker is scheduled undergo arthroscopic surgery on torn meniscus in his right knee, the latest medical issue for the former first-round pick whose brief career has been slowed by injuries.

Mingo hurt his knee earlier in training camp. He didn't practice Wednesday and coach Mike Pettine said Thursday that the No. 6 overall selection in the 2013 draft will have an operation. Mingo could miss up to six weeks, and the time away will make it tough for him to win the starting job at strong side linebacker opposite Paul Kruger. He's in a competition with rookie Nate Orchard and Scott Solomon.

The Browns won't know how long Mingo will be sidelined until after the surgery, and Pettine said it's possible they could find more damage. Pettine expressed sympathy for Mingo, who played almost all of last season with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

''You always do (sympathize), especially a guy that works that hard, that is that quality a character, an individual that it's important to him and he puts the time in,'' Pettine said of Mingo. ''Unfortunately, you have some guys that get some unfortunate injuries but you root for guys like that to come back, and come back and play well.''

Mingo made 11 starts and played in 15 games, recording 39 tackles and two sacks despite playing while wearing a shoulder harness. He had surgery in January.

As a rookie, Mingo bruised a lung in his second exhibition game. He missed Cleveland's final two preseason games and the regular-season opener. He ended up starting three games and finished with 42 tackles, five sacks and was credited with eight passes defensed.

The Browns have had high hopes for the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Mingo, who played at LSU. His speed on the outside makes him pass-rushing threat on every play, but if he can't stay healthy, Mingo won't have the chance to tap into his potential.

Also, Pettine said running back Glenn Winston, who played in five games on special teams last season, also underwent knee surgery. Winston came to training camp with a knee issue, and the team had been hopeful that rest would help before opting for a clean out.

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