Morgan Burnett injury will test Cleveland Browns depth, veteran leadership
By Dan Justik
Cleveland Browns safety Morgan Burnett left Thursday’s game after suffering a non-contact injury, and it is believed he suffered a torn Achilles.
The Cleveland Browns may have won their first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 on Thursday night, but they dealt with a variety of losses as well. That includes safety Morgan Burnett, who left Thursday’s game just before halftime.
Burnett was following a play on the sidelines before he stumbled and fell to the ground. The veteran safety grabbed his ankle and calf area, but walked off under his own power. He was announced as out for the rest of the game with an Achilles injury.
The news gets worse for Burnett and the Browns, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Friday morning it is believed Burnett suffered a torn Achilles, awaiting confirmation from an MRI. The injury would cause Burnett to miss the rest of the season.
#Browns S Morgan Burnett is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles in last night’s win, source said. If the MRI confirms, and that should happen today, Burnett would be out for the season. He impressed prior to his injury, with 5 tackles and an INT.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2019
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Burnett has been inconsistent in the back-end of the Cleveland Browns defense. He has been a liability in coverage, but his strength this season has been moving into the box and making tackles closer to the line of scrimmage. This season, Burnett has made 41 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and two passes defensed.
Prior to leaving the game, Burnett was one of the best players for Cleveland’s defense against the Steelers. Burnett made five total tackles, including one tackle for loss, and his first interception and two passes defensed of the season.
Burnett was a veteran presence for a young Browns secondary and defense as a whole. The Browns have been relying on Burnett, especially because of their lack of depth at safety. In the three games prior to the Steelers game, Burnett played 100 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps.
Cleveland is going to be forced to look at their options at safety if Burnett’s Achilles injury is confirmed. Juston Burris appears to be the most likely to see an increase in playing time and he has played well in his limited playing time this season.
After waiving Jermaine Whitehead Monday, Burnett’s injury, and a potential suspension for Damarious Randall, the Browns are going to be forced to scour the free agent market and practice squads to find another safety. It could be a chance for John Dorsey to bring in a familiar face in Eric Berry if the Browns feel he is ready to contribute. But they could also look at younger, cheaper options.
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Even though Burnett has not played his best football this season, he was playing a big role for the Browns defense. Cleveland’s safety depth is now thin, as well as their veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball. With the Browns needing a good stretch run, Burnett’s injury will be a blow to the Cleveland defense.