The Cleveland Browns could use some help on the interior of the defensive line. Mason Graham missed most of the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with an MCL and ankle sprain, and while he might not miss much time, he's doubtful to suit up in Week 5.
That's why Kalia Davis' recent progress is such great news. The Browns opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday after he missed all of training camp and the first four games of the regular season with a quadriceps injury.
While it's unclear if he could be activated from injured reserve in time to make his Browns debut Sunday against the New York Jets (Davis was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday), the timing could not be better.
Cleveland's defensive line injuries make Kalia Davis' return perfectly timed
The Browns could use a mauler like Davis along the interior of the defensive line right now, even if it's just for depth. The former sixth-round draft pick started all 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season, logging 28 tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, three pass breakups, and a half sack.
His quick get-off and athleticism make him a solid fit for a Browns defensive line that brings the heat at the line of scrimmage. While his pass-rushing numbers don't pop off the charts (1.5 career sacks), he knows how to use his sneaky athleticism and lateral quickness to find gaps and enter the opposition's backfield.
The Browns didn't seem to miss Graham against the Steelers, but they won't face a statue of a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers that often. Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr. should get the bulk of the work in Graham's absence, with Adin Huntington also in the rotation.
That's why having Davis as another option will be crucial for this team. Hall's currently managing an ankle injury from Thursday's game, and even played on one leg in the second half due to the team being down to its last defensive tackles. Any reinforcements along the interior will be welcomed with open arms.
"I mean, if we’re going to need him, it’s going to be now, possibly," Monken said of Davis on Wednesday. "So, let’s go.”
New defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has excelled at keeping quarterbacks on their toes by using simulated pressures, using Carson Schwesinger as an additional rusher, playing man-heavy coverage, and moving Jared Verse around.
The more pieces at Rutenberg's disposal, the better. It will be interesting to see how he can use an athletic tackle like Davis once the 28-year-old is officially activated.
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