Marcus Benard, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns was involved in a motorcycle accident which resulted in the breaking of his hand.

The accident occurred shortly after practice on Monday, October 10, their first day back from bye week. Ninety minutes after practice on Interstate 71 Benard crashed his motorcycle. Benard was traveling at a "high rate of speed" causing him to lose control of the bike crossing over four lanes until crashing into a guardrail, a witness told police on the scene. Police confirm there were no other vehicles involved and that the investigation has come to a close, (Report: Browns to pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press,

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7096957/cleveland-browns-reportedly-pay-marcus-benard-accident). Benard now suffers from a broken hand and other undisclosed injuries. After three days Benard was released from the Cleveland Clinic.

Although the injury was non-football related, the Browns have decided to pay Benard for the remainder of the season, which is roughly $375,000. Benard has been placed on the reserve non-football injury list which only having played four games this year ends his season, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

As an undrafted free agent in 2009, his rookie season, the first nine games Benard was on the practice squad until he was signed to the active roster and played in the last six games with 3 ½ sacks. In 2010 he held the lead with 7 ½ sacks playing in a total of 15 games, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shumur had said last week that there was a future for Benards with the Browns. Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron says on Benard's accident "It's so devastating for the young man. He was just starting to get back from preseason injuries and setbacks. It's a big disappointment. I'm very disappointed for him and for us." Although this is a blow to Benard and the team, of course all are grateful that it wasn't more serious and "thankful that he's still with us," Jauron.