National Football League

Browns Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge undergoes hernia surgery

Published Jun. 2, 2016 1:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (AP) Browns Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge has undergone surgery for a sports hernia.

Barnidge was arguably Cleveland's best player last season, leading the team with 79 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. The Browns says Barnidge had the operation in Philadelphia on Thursday.

Coach Hue Jackson says the 30-year-old Barnidge will miss next week's three-day minicamp but should recover in time for training camp in July.

Barnidge was absent from Wednesday's practice - the last one during offseason organized team activities - and the Browns said the team's medical staff had been monitoring his injury.

The Browns signed Barnidge as a free agent in 2013.

Also, owner Jimmy Haslam says Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown will be spending more time with Cleveland's players.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL