Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham will miss several weeks after sustaining an MCL sprain and an ankle sprain during a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.
The Cleveland Browns expected to maintain their defensive momentum at Huntington Bank Field, but the 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers came with a cost to the interior. Mason Graham, the team’s standout second-year defensive tackle, exited the primetime contest in the first quarter when his leg bent awkwardly while he engaged with Steelers center Zach Frazier. The win secured a 3-1 record against their AFC North rivals.
Initial fears pointed toward a severe long-term absence. Graham left the stadium on crutches wearing a heavy brace on his left knee. Medical evaluations and an MRI performed at University Hospitals on Friday brought relative relief as confirmed by the club.
MRI Confirms Sprains and Recovery Timeline
Testing confirmed that the former Michigan star avoided a catastrophic knee injury. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported that preliminary evaluations revealed an MCL sprain and an ankle sprain.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler noted that testing confirmed the early inclinations that a season-ending absence was off the table. The Browns medical staff will evaluate his rehabilitation on a week-to-week basis.
“He’s a tremendously talented young player that you could see early in the season, it all coming together,”
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach
Monken added that Graham has worked awfully hard to elevate his game, combining active lateral quickness and high football intelligence that helps him in reading sets and communication up front while playing with unbelievable effort.
Defense Adjusts to Loss of Interior Pressure
Graham accumulated four sacks through his first four appearances—leading the Browns and tying for third across the entire NFL—along with 15 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits. He established himself as a dominant interior pass rusher through the opening month of the campaign.
The defense had to reorganize instantly when Graham went down on Thursday. Backup defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. fought through his own lower leg injuries to stay on the field.
“I didn’t want to leave my brothers out there.”
Mike Hall Jr., Cleveland Browns defensive tackle
“Oh hell yeah.”
Mike Hall Jr., Cleveland Browns defensive tackle
Hall returned from an ankle injury in the third quarter to register a crucial sack. Maliek Collins remains a reliable veteran anchor on the interior, while Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions before safety Grant Delpit intercepted a final Hail Mary pass.
Browns Prepare for Ravens and Titans
Cleveland enters an extended period of rest before its Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 11. The club will face the Ravens at home in Week 6 before taking on the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 7, giving Graham a multi-week window to recover.
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