
Massaquoi put up career low numbers last season in both receptions (31) and yards (384) in a season in which he played in 14 games. Massaquoi did admit to the press in May of this year that he had been “extra cautious” after sustaining two serious concussions over the past two years along with a foot injury that he sustained before the start of last year’s season. "My foot feels good, my head feels good. I’m taking care of my body." Massaquoi said after practice on Wednesday.
Massaquoi appears to be healthy and is now in his final year of a four year deal in which he was guaranteed a minimum of 1.8 million. If Massaquoi wants any shot of receiving a long-term deal with the Browns or any other team he will need to throw caution to the wind and produce this season.
As for now, Massaquoi has tentatively been penciled in as a starting receiver for the Browns along with 2nd year player Greg Little, and the effort he has put forth so far in OTA’s suggests he is leaving it all on the field. He is showing better concentration and motivation this season which he had not shown over the past two seasons.
Despite a passing attack that finished 24th in the league statistically both team President Mike Holmgren and head coach Pat Shurmur feel that Massaquoi’s performance in 2012 will be a key to the offenses success in the passing game.
"The wild card to me is Mo," Holmgren stated recently. "Mohamed has to come in and ... I believe in that young man. I really do." Shurmur’s praise of Massaquoi has been equally high. "I see a much healthier Massaquoi. I think he has had a great offseason. I am very pleased. He has made plays out here. I think that's money in the bank for him as he gets ready for training camp and the season."
Hopefully Massaquoi will be able to translate the effort he has shown on the practice field to Sunday afternoons this fall. But only time will tell if Massaquoi has what it takes to be a premier talent in this league.