Quentin Groves to injured reserve

Cleveland Browns head coach came out in his first press conference off of the bye and announced that outside linebacker and special teams captain Quentin Groves would be placed on injured reserve.  Groves suffered an ankle week during the week a couple weeks ago and evidently it is bad enough to end his season.  He is scheduled to have surgery this week.

Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Quentin Groves (54) against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

This is certainly not the season Groves had in mind for his first in Cleveland as he spent much of it hurt, but was still able to make an impact in spots, finish the season with 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.  The hope is that by having the surgery now, Groves can be ready to come back at 100% for next season and have a better, healthier year for the Browns and obviously himself.

This gives an opportunity for Paul Hazel to step up and potentially take the spot as the fourth outside linebacker in Groves’ absence, but it also means the Browns have another roster spot to play with the rest of the season.  Hazel is a rangy rookie with a huge frame and the ability to keep adding strength as a former basketball player who can be an asset against special teams, but this might give him the ability to show he can do more.