Desmond Bryant has been taken to the hospital. (USATSI)
Desmond Bryant has been taken to the hospital. (USATSI)

With the starting quarterbacks for the Bills and Browns both injured and probably out for the rest of the game Thursday, one of Cleveland’s top defenders, defensive end Desmond Bryant, has been taken to the hospital with shortness of breath.

After flaming out in Oakland after last season, Bryant signed a five-year, $34 million deal with the Browns in the offseason, and he immediately began contributing to a surprisingly good Cleveland defense, recording 3.5 sacks through the first four games.

“The thing that makes him so effective is his versatility,” Cleveland defensive end Billy Winn said last month. “With some pass rushers you have certain packages for them, but with Des you never have to pull him out of a game. He can play the run, he can play the pass, he can play short yardage. He is so stout at the line of scrimmage, where he can make things happen.”

The team announced Bryant was transported to Cleveland Clinic for precautionary reasons.

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