Christian Kirksey has surgery to repair torn pec ruling him out for any possibility of return this season

Cleveland Browns linebacker has opted for surgery to repair his torn pectoral, which eliminates any possibility of his return this season and likely means the end of his career with the Browns.

© Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey was one of two players, along with David Njoku, where a decision had to be made about surgery on an injury that might mean a longer recovery, albeit a more permanent one. Njoku opted not to have surgery to repair an injured scaphoid in his wrist while Kirkey has opted for surgery, which means he won't be able to return this year.

#Browns LB Christian Kirksey recently had surgery to repair the chest injury that led to him being placed on Injured Reserve more than a week ago. While there was some initial thought that he could return, the surgery indicates he's done for the season.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2019

Teams get the ability to designate two players to return from injured reserve, which is what it appeared that Kirksey was hoping to do. The reality is the Browns were unlikely to use such a designation on Kirksey, instead opting to use one on Njoku and likely the other on rookie offensive lineman Drew Forbes, who the team may hope can help them at tackle later this year.

Unfortunately, this also means that Kirksey's career is likely finished as his contract becomes overbearing for the price they are paying and Kirksey has been absolutely devastated by injuries the last few years. It's possible that Kirksey would want to restructure significantly to stay with the Browns, but the Browns have been planning for Kirkey's obsolescence since the offseason where they drafted a pair of linebackers.

Kirksey is beloved in the locker room and has value as a spiritual leader, being voted as a captain again this year. Alas, Kirksey has probably played his lase game in a Browns uniform, thus truly passing on the mantle of this defense to this new set of players and specifically Joe Schobert.