BEREA, Ohio – It was a terrible first two days in pads for Brown’s linebacker Mack Wilson, who is now in danger of losing for the season.
On Monday, he hoisted Nick Chubb to the ground after being caught in the left flat, causing his running back to hear a thud as his head hit the ground. On Tuesday, Wilson was suspended from second-team linebacker behind Tae Davis for taking out the star of the team running back on a dangerous and illegal hit, and then went halfway through practice with what proved to be a significantly-hyperextended left knee, a league source told cleveland.com.
The source said Wilson will see another doctor to determine if he needs surgery, and if he does, his season will likely be over. If he does not need surgery, he has a better chance of returning this season, the source said.
The hyperextension was first reported by Mike Garafolo and Nan Network of NFL Network.
The injury happened during a 7-on-7 drill, when Wilson broke a pass to rookie receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and then crawled to the ground, hitting his left button. He threw off his helmet and roared in pain, indicating that he knew it was immediately serious. His fellow linebackers ran around him while he was on the ground with the coaches attacking him. Two members of the medical staff then helped him to the sideline, limping with Wilson and not putting any weight on his left leg.
Doctors again worked on the knee at the sideline, apparently checking for signs of ligament or other damage. They quickly called the cart, and Wilson stepped up and made the long ride into the field house sitting with his legs out in front of him, but with his head down in his hands.
Nick Chubb in the concoction protocol
If Wilson is lost for most of the entire season, the Browns will need to add some depth to an already thin position. The starting linebackers for camp were Wilson on the wing, Sione Takitaki on the strong side and free-agent pickup BJ Goodson in the middle.
There’s a bit of valuable experience at the position, and the Browns are already keeping an eye out for more talent. One available linebacker is six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Clay Matthews III, son of longtime four-time Browns Pro Bowl linebacker and Ring of Honor member Clay Jr. After spending the first 10 seasons of his career at Green Bay, Matthew signed with the Rams last season and scored eight sacks. The Browns are also optimistic about rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips, their third-round pick from LSU.
It was a bizarre sequence of events in the span of 24 hours for Wilson, who started 14 games with weak linebacker as a rookie last season in place of the injured Christian Kirksey. The Browns counted on Wilson to build on his rookie year, when he made 81 tackles, defending one sack and seven passes.
Coach Kevin Stefanski admitted before practicing “it’s honest” to say he was not happy about the horse clothing, which started its run in the concussion protocol. With only 14 padded practices and the opener on Sept. 13 against the Ravens, the Browns could pay to be sick without starters for a long time.
“I would say it’s disappointing,” Stefanski said. ‘We have to be smart. We have a lot of work to do, and we will continue to have our pads on. We just as a team need to make sure we do our job and do that while we take care of each other. ”
Stefanski called the players together before training and reminded them of the importance of keeping each other safe in practice, especially during his short press season. Then he lost in about an hour to Wilson possibly for the season.
In other practice news, Myles Garrett (hamstring), Larry Ogunjobi (body) and Damion Ratley (body) were idle. Jarvis Landry (hip) and Karl Joseph (foot) were back in pads after sitting outside Monday.
Defensive line coach Chris Kiffin said Garrett will be back in a few days.
As for Chubb, there is no timetable for his return.
–
Face masks for new Browns for sale: Here you can purchase Cleveland Browns-themed face protection for coronavirus for adults and teens, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All proceeds from the NFL donated to the CDC Foundation.
More coverage from Browns
Browns run back Nick Chubb is evaluated for concussion after absorbing a Mack Wilson hit during camp practice
Justin Fields, Buckeyes, Browns and Indians talk to Doug Lesmerises: Monday ‘More Sports & Les Levine’
Gerald McCoy out for season with torn right quad; Brian Hoyer first in line for QB reps: Roundup of training camp
Browns Myles Garrett to sit out the 1st padded practice today, but expected to return soon; G Ron Leary leaves without contract, Alex Van Pelt mentions plays in practice
Browns’ Jarvis Landry on Odell Beckham Jr .: ‘He Really Makes This Place Home’
Browns’ Jimmy Haslam: ‘I do not think we managed expectations’ well into 2019; raised but ‘realistic’ this year
The Browns try to manage expectations and it turns out
Browns led by Jedrick Wills, who was promptly informed by Joel Bitonio, Olivier Vernon and, finally, Myles Garrett
