Cleveland Browns DL Benard Hurt in Motorcycle Accident

Browns defensive lineman Marcus Benard broke his arm in a motorcycle accident shortly after leaving the team’s first practice following their bye week.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Benard is in stable condition and will be transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for further tests and evaluation.

Benard will likely miss significant time and may have to go on injured reserve. But it appears he avoided a more serious injury after crashing his motorcycle near Interstate-71 – a short drive from the team’s training facility.

It’s not yet known if any other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Benard was initially taken to MetroHealth Medical Center following the crash, which took place about two hours after the Browns wrapped up Monday’s practice. Team spokesman Neal Gulkis said trainer Joe Sheehan is with Benard.

The 26-year-old Benard signed as an undrafted free agent with the Browns in 2009. He has played in all four of Cleveland’s games this season.

Last year, Benard was briefly hospitalized after he fainted in the locker room before a practice. He underwent tests, which ruled out any heart problems or other major medical conditions. Benard later said the episode was related to stress caused by the impending birth of his son.

Unfortunately, the Browns have a history with motorcycle accidents during the season.

In 2004, tight end Kellen Winslow sustained near-fatal injuries when he crashed his motorcycle while doing tricks in a parking lot near his home.