CLEVELAND, Ohio –A few absolutes formed on Sunday regarding the Browns defense. Anthony Walker not coming off the field was one of them. Cleveland’s starting middle linebacker played 62 of 63 snaps against Kansas City.
Well, that’s about to change. The Browns placed Walker on injured reserve with a hamstring injury he suffered at Thursday’s practice. He’s expected back in three weeks, but leaves a massive void in the middle of the defense.
His 10 tackles were a team-high. He also wears the green dot, calling signals and making checks for defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t reveal who will start in Walker’s place or call plays.
“We’ll work through it. We have a plan to rotate in some linebackers,” Stefanski said when asked who their new signal caller is.
Cleveland only has a few days (and options) available. While Walker dominated the snap count, the Browns deployed a linebacker by committee beside him, rotating about evenly between Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Malcolm Smith.
Another committee approach may loom. What seems certain is Owusu-Koramoah seeing increased playing time. He played 25 snaps against the Chiefs, second-most among Browns linebackers. His Pro Football Focus grade of 69.5 ranked fourth best.
Don’t expect him to man the middle. His weak side speed is too valuable. Plus, the team seems adamant about not putting too much on his plate. But taking over the No. 2 spot in an every-down way makes sense.
Focusing on the middle, Stefanski named Smith and Elijah Lee possible starters. Keep an eye on Lee. The Browns had free-agent linebacker Reuben Foster in for a visit and workout on Friday. The team didn’t sign him and instead, elevated Lee from the practice squad to their 53-man roster.
Smith played 17 snaps at Kansas City and allowed two touchdowns lined up against tight end Travis Kelce. He didn’t earn an increase in usage. The Texans ran the ball 37 times in Week 1. Dating back to last season, Woods uses Smith mostly on passing downs.
That leaves Wilson and/or Takitaki. After practice, Stefanski shared his expectation for the entire room to step up.
“I think for all those linebackers,” Stefanski said on Friday. “They have to pick up the slack.”
Both played 22 Week 1 snaps. Takitaki was primarily the No. 3 linebacker in the 4-3 base. He earned a 56.9 PFF grade and made one tackle. Wilson had three tackles and a PFF grade 17 points lower. He’ll continue getting chances, starting against Mark Ingram and Tyrod Taylor. The Browns linebacker room remains undefined. Just as a Walker-JOK pairing started gelling, injury struck.
Sunday should provide more answers. I’m confident Owusu-Koramoah’s playing time nearly doubles while Woods rotates Lee, Smith, Wilson and Takitaki.
Don’t be surprised if safety John Johnson III takes over calling plays. He wore the green dot in Los Angeles last year.
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