BREAKING: The Cleveland Browns Placed Their Starting Linebacker on Injured Reserve, Likely Ending his 2023 Season.

The 11-5 Cleveland Browns sit in second place in the AFC North and fifth in the AFC playoff race.

Their defense has been excellent as it has been one of the best defenses in the league this season. They allowed the 11th fewest points, fewest total yards, fewest first downs and fewest passing yards. They also have the third and 10th fewest rushing yards allowed. Browns drafted middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. On injured reserve. Walker suffered a knee injury in training and was ruled out for 15 weeks. He then had knee arthroscopy on Dec. 21 and missed Weeks 16 and 17. He will miss the remainder of the 2023 season (unless Cleveland reaches the Super Bowl). Walker was one of the team’s best players. In 12 games, he recorded 44 tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a 71.1 PFF grade. Sione Takitaki is likely to be the starting midfielder. Takitaki has performed well this season. Appeared in 15 games, starting 7. He recorded 65 tackles, three for loss, three quarterback hits, two sacks, one interception, three pass breakups and a 68.7 PFF grade. Tony Fields II is also expected to play more with Walker. Fields II appeared in every game and started in just three games. He has 24 tackles and one fumble recovery. His role could increase even more in the playoffs. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoa is another starting LB. Owusu-Koramoa dominated the third season. He recorded 101 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and a 75.2 PFF grade.How will Walker’s injury affect the defense? Losing Anthony Walker Jr. to injured reserve will have a negative impact on the defense as he is one of their best players. Walker is one of the team’s best players. Another reason this backfired on the team was because he was one of the defensive captains. He was voted captain of the season by his teammates. Being a captain means that you are one of the leaders of the team. Losing a leader to injury never helps. Can they make a deep playoff run? Can the Cleveland Browns make the playoffs and win their first Super Bowl? It’s going to be interesting, so stay tuned.