Jabaal

Sheard

Sheard is still working back from his knee injury, but he’s getting closer to a return. With Sheard and Turay both out, the Colts have an edge rusher depth issue.

Not much has been said about Sheard’s status heading into Week 1, but the fact remains he hasn’t had full participation since initially undergoing a knee operation during the first week of August. Even a limited showing would shed positive light on his pending availability for Sunday.

The team remains quiet on his status, but it doesn’t appear to be too long term, although we expect him to miss some time. Sheard’s timeline was “undetermined” after undergoing a knee operation in early August. Last year, Sheard piled up 5.5 sacks as an outside rusher.

The Colts have been cagey on Sheard’s status since the beginning of camp, so it is possible it was more than a scope. A 16-game starter after making the conversion to defensive end last season, Sheard was excellent on the outside, notching 5.5 sacks and earning high marks from Pro Football Focus. At this point, he would seem to be doubtful for Week 1.

Both Sheard and Jayme Mitchell like to play on the left side, but Mitchell moved to the right yesterday and it paid dividends. Sheard was everywhere, recording his first sack, first forced fumble and first fumble recovery. He also stuffed Delone Carter for a big five-yard loss that forced a field goal in the third quarter.

Mitchell is more of a long-bodied run-defender type at 6-foot-6, 285, but the Browns want to keep Sheard at his natural position. Through two games, Mitchell has 7 tackles (6 solo) without a big play. Sheard has 8 tackles (7 solo), and is coming off a breakout game against the Colts with a sack and forced fumble. He’s the far more explosive rusher and better IDP target.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer already places Sheard “in the discussion” of the best pass rushers drafted by the expansion-era Browns. The former Pitt star has been an every-down player in Cleveland, grading out in the top-10 among all defensive ends, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s a building block for Dick Jauron’s defense.

Coming off a strong rookie campaign, Sheard’s numbers are down this season, but the Browns believe he’s been fundamentally-sound and drawing more attention from offenses. “I have no problems with Jabaal and the way he plays the game,” DC Dick Jauron said. “He’s playing at a high level. I think the longer he plays, the better he’s going to get and his numbers will get there.”

Taylor is a 330-plus-pound mammoth defensive tackle, and he commands double teams. “Having Phil back was a big part of my success last week,” Sheard said. “Even though they were sliding toward us, when Big Phil’s in there, he takes up two people. So, it’s like one-on-one on the outside.” Sheard had eight tackles and a sack in last week’s loss to Baltimore, and he should stay hot.

It’s a minor detail. “It gives us a chance to work them there in case you need to down the road and just see guys from different sides,” coach Rob Chudzinski said. Whatever side he’s rushing from, Kruger will be an every-down player as the strong-side linebacker. Sheard will have to fight for snaps with first-round pick Barkevious Mingo, and could be limited to sub-packages.