Browns make announcement after player hospitalized in hotel assault; updates forthcoming.

Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was hospitalized after an assault in New York City on Monday, according to the New York Post, which reported that Hickman was jumped by four individuals in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and is being treated for minor injuries. No arrests have been announced, and police are investigating whether Hickman was targeted because of his NFL status.

The Browns echoed the report, stating Hickman was treated at a local hospital and released to rest at home with his family. Hickman, 24, had a breakout season as a starter for Cleveland, starting all 17 games and ranking third on the team with 103 tackles while also recording two interceptions. The undrafted free agent’s strong 2023 season helped fuel expectations that he will remain with the Browns as a restricted free agent this March.

In Browns staff news, the team recently named Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator to replace Jim Schwartz, who resigned earlier this month. Rutenberg comes from the Atlanta Falcons and brings more than 15 years of NFL experience, including coaching roles with the Jets, 49ers, Jaguars, and Commanders.

Hickman anchors a talented Browns secondary alongside Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, with a defensive unit led by star edge rusher Myles Garrett. Cleveland’s defense ranked 22.3 points and 283.6 yards per game last season, and the team aims to build on that foundation in 2024. No further updates on Hickman’s condition or statements from him have been released.