Carson Schwesinger has already made a number of memorable plays throughout his young Cleveland Browns career, but Sunday’s fourth quarter against the New York Jets nearly topped the list.
The Browns’ star middle linebacker was clearly dealing with an injury during Sunday’s fourth quarter, but in similar fashion to the end of last season, he could still walk, so coming off the field wasn’t an option.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed Monday that Schwesinger was dealing with an ankle sprain, which will put his Week 6 practice participation under the spotlight. Rapoport noted that the injury came before Schwesinger dropped Jets quarterback Geno Smith in what should have been a game-sealing turnover.
Schwesinger forced a fumble as he sacked Smith with about 4 minutes remaining in regulation. The Browns had just scored a go-ahead touchdown to take a 12-10 lead at MetLife Stadium.
The rain that fell throughout the game had reached its heaviest point. The Browns were a couple of first downs, or one good punt, away from salting away their fourth consecutive fourth-quarter comeback.
But a special teams blunder by center Rex Sunahara and punter Corey Bojorquez flipped field position and gave the Jets life. A 22-yard touchdown run by Braelon Allen proved to be the difference in the Jets' 17-12 win.
The brutal ending robbed Schwesinger of another one of those herculean moments. Now, the Browns may have to save the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year from himself as he works to get his injured ankle healthy.
Carson Schwesinger's gutsy Week 5 performance should make Browns' next decision easy
Schwesinger ended up playing all 70 defensive snaps for Cleveland in Sunday's loss, and the big question now is whether the Browns could be without both Schwesinger and top defensive lineman Mason Graham for this week’s AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
To the surprise of no one, Rapoport hinted that Schwesinger could push to play.
“He is not ruled out for this week,” he wrote, “though availability depends on how he responds.”
Schwesinger’s ankle, which Rapoport called a Grade 1 sprain, likely felt worse after the adrenaline wore off after the Jets game. Even with a huge divisional game on tap this week, the Browns would be wise to take a cautious approach to ensure this doesn’t become a lingering issue.
The Browns’ linebacker play has been excellent, as Quincy Williams has really come on in recent weeks. The depth behind Schwesinger and Williams is worrisome, though.
Easton Mascarenas-Arnold has played just five total defensive snaps since the season opener. Winston Reid has played one defensive snap on the season. Rookie Justin Jefferson has played zero.
Cleveland has the defensive line depth to cover for Graham. Maliek Collins is beginning to look like the player who dominated when healthy last season. Adin Huntington has made the most of his extended opportunities with Mike Hall Jr. rehabbing his own ankle injury.
The Browns don’t have that same luxury at inside linebacker. Schwesinger has played 100 percent of the defensive snaps on the season. Williams ranks fifth at 94.7 percent. They're irreplaceable parts.
Any extended absence from Schwesinger would be a brutal blow to the core of Cleveland’s defense. How much he’s able to practice this week will be extremely important. The Browns seem fortunate to have avoided a major injury with his ankle, and keeping it that way should now be priority No. 1.
If Schwesinger goes against the Ravens this week, he better be 100 percent with no restrictions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google