Browns lost LB Jackson for the season to a shoulder injury

After Sunday’s 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns were further disappointed by losing linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who was selected as a defensive captain before the season, to a shoulder injury for the rest of the season.




“It’s disappointing any time you lose a player for the season, and this is especially true with someone like D’Qwell, who has proven to be an outstanding leader for us both on and off the field,” Browns coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. The team placed the leading tackler on injured reserve Tuesday, two days after he damaged his shoulder during the first half of Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh.

Jackson has been one of the best defenders in the Browns jerseys over the past three-plus seasons and led the Browns in tackles the past two seasons after ranking second as a rookie in 2006. He also led the NFL with 188 tackles last season and was chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate and has had 57 tackles, including 44 solos, this season. Losing him will a big loss to the Browns defense. Rookies David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava will be used to fill the spot in the team’s 3-4 scheme.

Browns linebacker Jackson and kicker Dawson missed Friday practice

On this Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will likely play against the Bills in Buffalo without linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and kicker Phil Dawson, since both injured missed Friday’s practice.



As the team’s leading tackler, Jackson unfortunately sustained a hamstring injury in practice earlier this week. Rookie linebacker David Veikune has taken his position during practice. As Jackson has said that he did not want to rush back while he was still getting treatment this week, it is very likely the rookie wearing No. 57 Browns jersey will take over the starting job.

Dawson has been inactive for the Browns’ past two games because he has had a left calf injury. He even did not appear in the team’s training facility during practice. I guess he may skip his third consecutive game this Sunday, and Billy Cundiff will make his third straight start against the Bills as the replacement.