Browns HC Todd Monken did not have any updates on Mason Graham after the game and fans are beginning to get worried.
The Cleveland Browns earned a thrilling 27-24 victory over their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Thursday night, but the celebration came with a dark cloud hovering over Huntington Bank Field. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, the team’s standout interior force, exited the stadium on crutches while wearing a heavy brace on his left knee, leaving his immediate future in serious doubt.
During the first quarter of the divisional battle, Graham got his leg bent awkwardly underneath him while battling Steelers center Zach Frazier. The young defensive lineman went down in visible pain and needed help getting to the locker room. Prior to the setback, Graham was off to a blistering start this season, racking up four sacks through his first three games to lead Cleveland’s pass rush.
Despite losing their main disruptor, Cleveland’s defensive line stepped up admirably. Backup defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. overcame a brief ankle injury to record a huge third-down sack on Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the second half, while defensive lineman Adin Huntington added a sack of his own. Rodgers put up big numbers, completing 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, but safety Grant Delpit intercepted his final Hail Mary pass to seal the game.
Addressing the media after the dramatic victory, Cleveland head coach Todd Monken provided zero clarity regarding the defensive tackle’s condition. The head coach had no update on Graham when questioned by the media.
The ominous update puts a damper on an otherwise crucial win that pushed the Browns to 3-1 and sole possession of first place in the division. Quarterback Deshaun Watson led a sharp late-game drive, setting up kicker Andre Szmyt for a clutch 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. Still, losing Graham for an extended stretch would deal a massive hit to Cleveland’s defense. As the team awaits MRI results, Browns fans will be holding their collective breath.
The Cleveland Browns earned a thrilling 27-24 victory over their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Thursday night, but the celebration came with a dark cloud hovering over Huntington Bank Field. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, the team’s standout interior force, exited the stadium on crutches while wearing a heavy brace on his left knee, leaving his immediate future in serious doubt.
