Browns Travis Benjamin tore his ACL

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (80) runs back a kickoff during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On a punt return in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns punt returner Travis Benjamin went down awkwardly when he took a hit as he tried to stretch a return out to the left.  Benjamin was in obvious pain as he lay on the ground and head coach Rob Chudzinski revealed the reason was because he had torn his ACL and will be placed on injured reserve, requiring surgery to repair it.

This is awful news for Benjamin as it could have an impact on how he is able to contribute for the Browns next year.  It is bad news for the Browns as while Benjamin had been incredibly inconsistent as a returner, he was one of the few players that could legitimately be a play maker and a threat to flip the field or score a touchdown.  Benjamin’s impact on kick returns was somewhat limited much to the frustration of many Browns fans and this was the reason the Browns were afraid to use him there too much.

Benjamin’s season ends with 1 carry for 45 yards, 5 catches for 105 yards, 3 kick returns for 146 yards and 22 punt returns for 257 yards and a touchdown.  His biggest game was against the Buffalo Bills where he had the touchdown and set a team record for punt return yardage in one game.  The Browns absorb one more big injury loss as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens this week.