Barkevious Mingo could miss the opening game of the 2013 NFL season with a bruised lung, it has been reported.
The Cleveland Browns linebacker was hospitalised with the injury following the AFC North side's pre-season win over the Detroit Lions.
Head coach Rob Chudzinski told reporters: "Well, he had a bruised lung, so every time there is that type of injury, they just want to make sure everything is OK with his health and breathing and everything else."
NFL.com initially reported that the rookie would miss a week while recovering, but the Plain Dealer has speculated that the first-round draft pick could need up to three weeks to heal.
The Browns face the Miami Dolphins in the first week of the regular season on September 8.