The Cleveland Browns received some encouraging news about Mason Graham after the defensive tackle left Thursday night’s 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a knee injury.
Graham exited during the first quarter after his left leg twisted awkwardly during a play. The second-year defensive tackle was ruled out for the remainder of the game, raising concerns about a potentially serious injury.
However, an initial assessment offered reason for optimism. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Graham appeared to have avoided a significant knee injury, although further testing was still needed.
The early report is a welcome development for Cleveland, particularly given Graham’s impressive start to the 2026 season. The former fifth overall pick has emerged as a major presence on the defensive front, recording four sacks through his first three games.
Graham also entered Thursday’s matchup with 15 tackles and six tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has made him an important part of the Browns’ defensive rotation.
Despite losing Graham early, Cleveland’s defense managed to finish the game with five sacks. Mike Hall Jr. and Maliek Collins each recorded a sack, helping the Browns hold on for a divisional victory.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The encouraging injury report does not guarantee Graham will be available for Cleveland’s next game. He was expected to undergo an MRI on Friday, which should provide a clearer picture of the injury and his recovery timeline.
For now, the Browns can take some comfort in the initial assessment. Avoiding a significant knee injury would be a major relief for a defense that has relied heavily on Graham’s production early in the season.
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