During Wednesday’s OTAs, the Cleveland Browns defensive tackle, Mike Hall Jr., went down with a leg injury that looked terrifying at first. He had to be helped off the field as he was unable to put weight on his right leg. 

The scene raised immediate concern for Hall Jr., but the Browns had a positive update after practice. 

“After initial medical evaluation, it’s not believed to be serious, but he was held out of practice as precaution,” said the Browns’ spokesperson. 

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reported that Hall’s right leg bent awkwardly during an 11-on-11 play. The injury occurred while practicing without helmets; his leg buckled after the snap, and then he went to the ground when the offensive lineman made contact.

The Browns avoided a worst-case scenario with Hall, who has had injuries in his career before. In his rookie season, he sustained a torn medial collateral ligament and a dislocation which required two surgeries.

That led to him missing seven games last season as he was recovering from the injury. His first two seasons haven’t allowed him to display his potential as the defensive tackle was able to play in only 17 games combined due to injuries.

Cory Kinnan of Browns Wire shared that the Browns are relying heavily on Hall Jr. as a rotational pass rusher and need him to stay healthy so he can contribute to the best of his abilities in his third year with the team. 

The Browns are counting on Hall Jr.’s quickness, interior pass-rush ability and his disruptive side. The 6’3 and 300lbs defensive tackle has shown a glimpse into his disruptive ability with 25 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits during the 17 games he has played so far.

The defensive line in Cleveland has real potential for the upcoming season. Hall’s injury could create a dent, but for now, the Browns’ biggest worry could be their defensive star, Myles Garrett. 

The Browns React to Garrett’s Absence at the OTAs

The Browns are currently undergoing a defensive transition with the coming in of their new coordinator, Mike Rutenberg. Myles Garrett has missed voluntary training and team activities.

What's making the absence concerning is that the Browns restructured his contract. In NFL circles, the buzz is strong about Myles Garrett’s trade. But Rutenberg got completely honest with how he felt about it.

“It is voluntary, and we respect the voluntary aspect of it...I’d love everybody to be around, but I also understand people have different things,” said Rutenberg. “I’ve had great communication and I’m excited for when everyone’s here to put it together.”

While Garrett’s absence is dominating headlines, the Browns are making sure that Mike Hall Jr. recovers quickly during this defensive transition under Rutenberg. 

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore