Browns Top Defensive Tackle has Been Sidelined By A Knee Injury

Browns Top Defensive Tackle has Been Sidelined By A Knee Injury

Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. injured his knee during practice this week and could be placed on injured reserve, further complicating the team’s challenges in 2024. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Hall suffered the injury during a Thursday drill as the Browns (2-7) prepared for their game against the New Orleans Saints (3-7).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hall, 21, has been ruled out for this Sunday’s game and may be sidelined for at least four games if placed on injured reserve. While Stefanski did not clarify whether Hall would require surgery, he acknowledged IR as a possibility. “We’re not going there yet, other than to say IR is a potential,” Stefanski said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hall, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, has appeared in just four games this season. Despite limited playing time, Stefanski had praised his development, particularly his contributions on defense and special teams. “Mike’s been making a lot of positive plays for us,” Stefanski noted, expressing disappointment over the injury but remaining optimistic about Hall’s future with the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hall’s start to his NFL career has been rocky. He was arrested in August on a domestic violence charge, which was later reduced to disorderly conduct. Following the incident, Hall was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and suspended for five games. He made his NFL debut in Week 6 against Philadelphia and was expected to take on a larger role, particularly at defensive end, after the Browns traded Za’Darius Smith to Detroit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz praised Hall’s athleticism and versatility, emphasizing that he was a strong fit for the defensive end position. The injury adds to the Browns‘ difficult season, as they continue to develop younger talent amidst a disappointing 2024 campaign.