Browns cornerback E.J. Gaines suffered a right knee sprain and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, the team announced Monday morning.
Gaines, a fifth-year veteran who signed with the team in March, suffered the injury during Sunday's practice, crumpling to the ground while defending a pass thrown to wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Gaines was carted off the field by the team's medical staff.
"He was a contributing member back there. He was going to play and was slated to play. That is a part of the game, we don't want to see it," head coach Hue Jackson said after the session. "It's football. I hate to lose him, but at the same time, we know that those things do happen."
Gaines is part of an overhauled defensive secondary that includes rookie cornerback Denzel Ward, veterans T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell. Gaines has started 36 games in three seasons, missing all of 2015 with a foot injury.
Gaines, who was teamed up with Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for three years with the Rams, totaled two interceptions and 14 pass breakups as a rookie in 2014.
Gaines spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, making 11 starts.
