Joe Haden has unexpected ankle surgery, 'should be ready' for start of 2016

Joe Haden, the Browns' shutdown corner, underwent surgery on his left ankle Wednesday, but "should'' be ready for the start of the 2016 season, the club said in a release.

Haden, who underwent the surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina by Dr. Robert Anderson, is also "expected to resume football activities during training camp'' the release said. That means the Browns are making no promises.

Haden, who finished the season on injured reserve with a serious concussion, suffered the ankle injury during a Week 8 home game against the Cardinals, but it didn't start bothering him until he began working out again recently.

Haden started only five games in 2015 and was inactive for eight with various injuries including the concussion, a broken finger, the ankle and a rib injury.
He was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 14 after not clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. Haden cleared the tests on Jan. 12, 2016.

The loss of Haden for most of last season was a huge blow, especially considering that 2014 No. 8 overall pick Justin Gilbert was a huge disappointment for the second straight year and started only one game.

If Haden isn't ready for the start of the season, the Browns could be in dire straights. They also lost starting free safety Tashaun Gipson to the Jaguars in free agency.

Entering his seventh season, the No. 7 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and two-time Pro Bowler has started 68 of 77 games and compiled 16 interceptions with the Browns.