CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns lost their third middle linebacker for the season Sunday in Houston.
Sione Takitaki suffered a torn ACL in Cleveland’s 27-14 win over the Texans head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Monday.
“Very disappointing,” Stefanski said. “Disappointed for Tak. Had been playing at a really, really high level for us and playing a lot for us. Just disappointed for the young man.”
Anthony Walker and Jacob Phillips also saw their seasons cut short due to injury earlier this year. Walker underwent surgery to repair a quadriceps tear and Phillips a pectoral tear.
“It is disappointing every time we hear of one of our teammates who we have gone through much energy, much effort and many hours and many minutes with going down,” linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said. “Sione is a high-energy guy, no matter what occurs and no matter what happens. I am sure you will continue to see him around the facility and continue to see him around the linebacker room and energetic on the sidelines, if they allow him to, being involved continuously helping us out with our calls and fits and everything. It is disappointing, but we have to play the cards that have been dealt to us.”
The Browns selected Takitaki in the third round of the 2019 Draft. He started eight of 12 games this season where he racked up 71 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
“Tak’s one of my favorites,” Stefanski said. “Plays very, very physically. Loves this game, plays hard, great teammate. He was playing more for us than he had in the past, his role had expanded because he earned it. Was playing out of position, so to speak, and he was doing a really nice job.
“Disappointed for him but excited what it will mean for some other guys stepping up. Also I know what Sione’s going to do with this rehab, like he always does, he’s going to attack it and be ready to go next year.”
Deion Jones and Jordan Kunaszyk appear to be the top two candidates to take over in the middle for Takitaki.
Compensation locked in – The Panthers release of quarterback Baker Mayfield on Monday locked in a fifth-round pick in 2024 for the Browns from Carolina as a result of the July trade between the two teams.
Had Mayfield, who has struggled this season and requested his release, played 70% of Carolina’s snaps this year Cleveland would’ve received a 2024 fourth round selection.
Save the date – The NFL announced that the Browns’ Week 15 home game against the Ravens will be played Saturday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m. as part of an NFL Network tripleheader.
The game will be the home debut for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Colts and Vikings will play at 1 and the Dolphins and Bills in Buffalo at 8:15.
In the hunt – Sunday’s win over the Texans pushed the Browns to 5-7 on the season and they jumped up two spots in the conference standings from 13th to 11th as a result.
The 7-5 Jets, who rallied to beat the Browns in Week 2 31-30, hold the seventh and final Wild Card spot.
The 6-6 Patriots are eighth, 6-6 Chargers ninth and 5-7 Raiders are in front of the Browns in the standings.
Injury report – Receiver David Bell is “day to day” with a thumb injury, receiver Anthony Schwartz is in the concussion protocol while safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. was cleared from the protocol Sunday evening according to Stefanski.
Up next – Players day off Tuesday, practice Wednesday.