And You Thought It Couldn’t Get Any Worse, Part III…Browns Lose LB D’Qwell Jackson to IR

No matter what you think about LB D’Qwell Jackson’s talent level in comparison to other NFL linebackers, he is a defensive captain on the Browns and is the team’s best linebacker.  His influence on and off the field no doubt influences a defensive squad that, if nothing else, plays hard with the talent it has.

That being said, it is unfortunate to hear that the Browns have lost Jackson for the season, as he was placed on the IR on Tuesday with a shoulder injury that will require surgery.  The team’s leading tackler injured his shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even worse for Jackson is that he could be a free agent after this season and was looking for a new contract.  According to this cleveland.com article,

"Jackson could be an unrestricted free agent if the league’s current salary cap system is extended but would only be restricted if management and the players union abolishes the salary cap, which is seen as more likely."

Jackson’s injury does open up the door for rookies David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava to show something to Eric Mangini and the Browns fans everywhere hoping for some sort of pick-me-up in yet another disastrous season.    It’s too bad it had to come at the expense of D’Qwell Jackson’s shoulder, though.