Benard, who collapsed in locker room around noon, will undergo further evaluation on Friday.
View full sizeMarcus BenardBEREA, Ohio — Browns linebacker Marcus Benard was released from an area hospital eight hours after collapsing in the locker room shortly before the team's Thursday practice session.
The Browns said in a statement that Benard would undergo further evaluation today.
Benard was sitting on a chair in front of his locker when he fell to the floor during the period open to media. Few witnessed the fall, but most everyone in the vicinity heard Benard hit the floor.
Linebacker Matt Roth immediately rushed to the trainer's room for medical help. Benard was on the floor with eyes open as trainers tended to him.
Only 20 minutes earlier, Benard seemed fine when interviewed by The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.
Benard was stable and alert while being taken to the hospital.
Benard, 25, is in his second year with the Browns. He leads the team with 4 1/2 sacks. His status for Sunday's game against the New York Jets is uncertain.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670