Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns’ defense had a goal for 2025: Get back that #1 ranking they enjoyed in 2023.
Safety Rodney McLeod retired. So did MLB Jordan Hicks. LB Devin Bush was arrested and is facing a six-game suspension. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was lost for the year, and DT Michael Hall, Jr. has begun training camp on the PUP list.
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At least the defensive backfield was still intact with quality players and a ton of depth.
Then, MJ Emerson went down with an Achilles injury during the July 29 practice during a 7-on-7 drill while he was covering WR Diontae Johnson. It was a scary sight seeing him in obvious agony, lying on the turf. He was then carted off the field. It was later determined to be a torn tendon instead of a lesser partial tear. Surgery was required, and Emerson ended up on season-ending IR.
This has become a big blow to DC Jim Schwartz’s defensive secondary.
The thought process going into camp was that at least the defensive secondary remained top-tier. Despite Emerson having an off year last season, he was thought to he would rebound and bust out to a Pro Bowl level.
Now, his replacement will either come from the current roster of Nik Needham, Chigozie Anusiem, Cam Mitchell, Myles Harden, Dom Jones, or newly-signed Keenan Isaac, or Schwartz may move Greg Newsome from the slot to the outside corner position where he began his Browns career. There is also the possibility that Browns GM Andrew Berry may bring in a seasoned free agent.
But for now, Emerson is out for the year and recently had surgery to correct his left Achilles rupture.
What exactly is an Achilles injury?
It is damage to the Achilles tendon, which is a fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone located on the backside of the foot, just above the heel.
There are three types of Achilles injuries. “Achilles Tendonitis” is inflammation of the tendon, which is caused by overuse. “Achilles Tendinosis” is degeneration of the tendon due to the result of an injury. Finally, “Achilles Tenon Rupture” is a complete tear and is the most severe, which snaps the tendon in two.
The pain is tremendous. Running is no longer an option, and good luck with walking without assistance. After surgery, a walking boot or cast, along with crutches or a walker, is mandatory in order to keep weight off the injury. Recovery is anywhere from several months to a solid year, with physical therapy a must.
Emerson was selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. By mid-season, he had ousted Newsome from his right outside cornerback spot opposite Ward. In just his second season of 2023, he had a sensational season that was Pro Bowl-worthy.
This is the final year of MJ’s rookie contract. Truly, it is a setback for not only Emerson but for this Browns defense.
**Dawgs by Nature’s Barry...
