LG Eric Steinbach Likely Out for Season After Undergoing Back Surgery

Update, 4:00 p.m.: The Browns have officially placed Steinbach on IR for the season.

After much deliberation, Cleveland Browns left guard Eric Steinbach is finally undergoing surgery to correct the disc problem in his back.

This most likely will end the starting guard’s 2011 season, which means the Browns will have to put him on the Injured Reserve list by 4 p.m. today. That would open a spot on the roster for the recently-acquired offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, who the Browns claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Monday.

This also opens the door for rookie lineman Jason Pinkston, who will most likely be taking Steinbach’s place on the left side of the offensive line. John Greco is another option if Pinkston falters or the Browns cannot acquire another lineman through waivers.