BEREA: Just when Joe Haden was starting to look like a Pro Bowl cornerback again, his availability was called into question.
Haden didn’t participate in the Browns’ walk-through practice Friday because of a groin injury. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday, when the Browns (0-2) will visit the Miami Dolphins (0-2).
Coach Hue Jackson downplayed the injury and spoke as if Haden, a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2014, would be able to play this weekend.
“He’s just got a groin,” Jackson said. “I know everybody’s got to go on these lists and everybody has to check everything. But just yesterday after practice, [Haden] had a little groin strain. We’ll see how bad it is, but I don’t anticipate it being an issue. But we’ll see. He’s on the injury report, so we’ve got to go by the report.”
Haden missed 11 games last season because of two concussions and other injuries, but he has bounced back early this season with strong performances.
He’s ranked as the second-best cornerback in the NFL through two games by ProFootballFocus.com. Only Washington’s Josh Norman is rated higher.
The website also gave Haden the highest grade of any Browns defender Sunday in a 25-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He tied a career high with two interceptions and had two other passes defensed. His 18 interceptions tied Earl Little for the most by a Browns player during the expansion era.
“The look in [Haden’s] eye and just the excitement in his voice — I think he is on a mission. I really do,” defensive coordinator Ray Horton said.
If Haden can’t play against the Dolphins, it would be a major blow to the defense. Nickel cornerback Tramon Williams would likely start opposite Jamar Taylor, and undrafted rookie Tracy Howard would probably serve as the No. 3 corner. Williams also would likely slide from the outside to the slot in the nickel package.
“I know it’d be tough for [Haden]. But at the same time, I know that he’ll do everything possible to be out there with us,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, his health is No. 1. Hopefully he can be out there with us. I know that he’ll try do everything he can to be out there.”
Haden wasn’t on the injury report Wednesday or Thursday. The groin injury surfaced late Thursday, a team spokesman said.
“I’ve been around this game for a while now,” Williams said, “so nothing really wavers me too much to see around here.”
The Browns are dealing with a ridiculous amount of injuries, but Jackson has vowed not to let the adversity devastate him or the team.
“That’s a long list [of injuries],” Jackson conceded. “... You guys are waiting for me to fall under the table or something. You’re going to be waiting a long time.”
The Browns are expected to play without eight starters in Miami, including two quarterbacks and kicker Patrick Murray, who suffered a left knee injury in Friday’s walk through. Haden would be the ninth sidelined starter if he can’t play.
“In this game, guys are going to get injured all the time,” Williams said. “I’ve been on teams where 15, 16, 17 guys get put on IR [injured reserve] in a year. You’re just playing with guys off the street. There’s not even guys off a practice squad you can pull.
“Guys got to come in and get the job done. We expect nothing different here really. Obviously, we’re trying to change the culture around here, so I mean we ain’t looking for excuses.”
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.