Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham to miss weeks with MCL and ankle sprains
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham will miss several weeks due to a left MCL sprain and ankle sprain sustained during a Thursday Night Football victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. An MRI confirmed no long-term structural damage, but the team will evaluate his return on a week-to-week basis. Graham, who led the Browns with four sacks in his first three games, was a standout early in his second season. The Browns will rely on Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., and Adin Huntington at defensive tackle, with a potential call-up of Sam Kamara from the practice squad. Head coach Todd Monken praised Graham's talent and effort, expressing hope for a quick recovery.
Key points
- Mason Graham suffered an MCL sprain and ankle sprain when his leg bent backwards during the first quarter of the Browns' 27-24 win over the Steelers.
- An MRI at University Hospitals confirmed no long-term structural damage, but Graham is expected to miss a few weeks.
- Graham recorded four sacks, 15 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits in his first three games of the 2026 season.
- The Browns will rely on Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., and Adin Huntington at defensive tackle, with a potential call-up of Sam Kamara from the practice squad.
- Head coach Todd Monken praised Graham's talent, intelligence, and effort, expressing hope for a quick recovery.
Background
Mason Graham, selected fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a strong start to his second season with the Cleveland Browns, recording four sacks in his first three games. The Browns have faced several injuries this season, including running back Dylan Sampson, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury in September. The team's defensive depth has been tested, with Mike Hall also suffering an ankle injury in the same game as Graham.
How outlets are covering it
Dawgs By Nature and the Cleveland Browns official site reported that Graham will miss a few weeks with an MCL sprain and ankle sprain, with no long-term structural damage. ESPN's Ian Rapoport provided the initial update, while NBC Sports reported that head coach Todd Monken did not have an update on Graham during his Friday news conference, as he was still undergoing tests. The Cleveland Browns official site emphasized Graham's strong start to the season and Monken's praise for his talent and effort. Dawgs By Nature highlighted the potential impact on the Browns' defensive line and the need for depth at defensive tackle.
Why it matters
Mason Graham's absence will impact the Browns' defensive line, as he was a key player in their early-season success. The team will need to rely on depth and potentially call up players from the practice squad to fill the void. Graham's return will be crucial for the Browns' defense, especially as they face a challenging schedule in October and November.
What to watch
The Browns will evaluate Graham's return on a week-to-week basis. If he misses the rest of October, he would miss three games against the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans. The Browns may also place Graham on the short-term IR list, which would open up a roster spot. The team will continue to rely on Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., and Adin Huntington at defensive tackle, with a potential call-up of Sam Kamara from the practice squad.
- Update on Mason Graham’s knee injury for Browns Dawgs By Nature
- Browns DT Mason Graham week-to-week with MCL, ankle sprains ESPN
- Mason Graham sustained MCL sprain and ankle sprain in Week 4 against the Steelers Cleveland Browns
- Browns Mason Graham ruled out vs. Steelers with knee injury Cleveland.com
- Todd Monken on Mason Graham: Hopefully we get good news NBC Sports
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