Barkevious Mingo's injury could have been fatal, doctor says

Browns rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo will likely miss the rest of the preseason after an injury that could have killed him.

Mingo was watching Cleveland Browns practice from the sidelines with a bruised lung. He could have been killed by one more hit in Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions, his doctor said.

Clark Fuller, director of thoracic surgery at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., said another shot to his chest could have been fatal.

“The chest cavity is an area where you could bleed to death and nobody ever sees a drop of blood on the ground," Fuller said. He did not treat Mingo.

Mingo was spitting up blood after coming out of the game, starting with the kickoff coverage team. The bleeding continued for four or five more plays.

“I ran down after the [opening kickoff], and I didn’t feel right,” Mingo said. “I kept going back out, and it was harder and harder to catch my breath. I went to my coach and he thought it’d be a good idea to go to the trainer with it. They did a great job pulling me out, and recognizing the symptoms and treating me.”

Mingo spent two nights in a hospital, and is expected to heal without complications.