Browns Lose Key Defensive Lineman To Season-Ending Injury
The Browns’ barrage of injury news following their win Sunday over the Jaguars included losing another player to a season-ending injury.
The Browns on Tuesday ruled DT Maurice Hurst II out for the season due to a pectoral injury suffered Sunday in the Browns’ win over the Jaguars. Hurst was the third player the Browns have ruled out for the season this week, joining offensive tackles Dawand Jones (knee) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), who had missed the last five games and was officially ruled out for the year Tuesday.
All players will be tough to replace — especially Hurst, who had revitalized his career in his first season in Cleveland.
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (not pictured) during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
After playing just two games in the last two seasons, Hurst joined the Browns over the offseason as a candidate for the interior defensive line rotation. He was initially released in August but signed back to the roster two days later, and he proceeded to build one of the best seasons of his six-year career, tallying 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups and four tackles for a loss. The latter two stats each tied career-highs.
While the season-ending injury is certainly unfortunate, the Browns have to be pleased with Hurst’s production — he had only played a full season once in his career — and could strongly consider bringing him back in 2024.
Without Hurst, the Browns currently have Dalvin Tomlinson, Jordan Elliott, Shelby Harris and Siaki Ika as defensive tackles on the 53-man roster. Elliott left Sunday’s game with a concussion, however, so the Browns could explore adding more defensive tackle depth if he has to miss time, although they did sign defensive end Sam Kamara to the active roster Tuesday, too.
Tommy Togiai, a 2021 fourth-round pick, is the only defensive tackle on the practice squad.
