BEREA: Browns rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman’s promising career had just taken off with his first 100-yard game Sunday.
Then in practice Wednesday, the 15th overall pick from Baylor suffered a broken hand.
Coleman banged his hand during the session, but participated fully. It wasn’t until afterward that it began to bother him and he was taken for X-rays, which revealed a fracture.
Coleman will see a hand specialist Thursday morning to determine whether surgery is needed and how long he will be sidelined.
Wednesday night, Coleman posted on his Instagram account: “The past few hours have been real tough for me. Making it to the NFL was a dream that many didn’t think I would accomplish. That road was full of many tough times. Breaking my hand in practice today was tough. But thankfully tough times don’t last, tough people do. I. Will. Be. Back. #DawgPound”
The news is another blow for the Browns, who have already lost six starters, including two quarterbacks, to injury. Quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown hurt their nonthrowing shoulders, rookie defensive Carl Nassib underwent hand surgery Wednesday, center Cameron Erving is out with a bruised lung and defensive end Desmond Bryant was lost for the season with a torn pectoral before training camp began.
Hours before learning of Coleman’s break, Browns coach Hue Jackson was excited about Coleman’s progress, but still wanted to see more.
“There is another level for Corey Coleman, and I expect him to get there ... fast,” Jackson said after practice Wednesday.
In Sunday’s 25-20 home-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Coleman was targeted eight times and caught five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
“Keep doing that for me, baby, and we are right on,” Jackson said, laughing.
Going into Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, Coleman was averaging 24.7 yards per catch. He’s tied with running back Duke Johnson for the team lead with seven receptions, Coleman’s including 58- and 47-yard gains.
But against the Ravens, Coleman also had a teaching moment. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct with the Browns leading 20-19 with 14:32 remaining. The 15-yard penalty pushed the Browns back to the Ravens 34 and Patrick Murray missed a 52-yard field goal attempt.
That penalty didn’t diminish how fellow receiver Terrelle Pryor feels about Coleman.
“That’s a first-round pick. We did a great job picking him,” Pryor said. “He’s a great player.”
Pryor has counseled Coleman about the hamstring issues that have plagued him since his days at Baylor. He may have to help pick him up from the hand injury, too.
“I had a long talk with him about how to prepare and how to work on your body after practice and how you have to stay here extra hours,” Pryor said of Coleman’s hamstring problem. “They’re little things that get boring, but it’s good for you and the team because you’re going to be available. Being available is the most important thing when you play in the league.”
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her blog at www.ohio.com/marla. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MRidenourABJ.