Two Linebackers Returned from Season Ending Injuries- How Did They Play?

Browns linebackers Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki returned to the field for the first time since suffering season ending injuries last year.

Sunday represented a huge mile marker for two Cleveland Browns linebackers in their bid to return to being impact players on the field. Both Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki suffered injuries that prematurely ended their season last year at a time when each were playing the best football of their careers. The Browns sorely missed their play and leadership down the stretch.

Walker and Takitaki played in their first live game since experiencing season ending injuries the year before. Each had spent months of grueling rehab and physical therapy not knowing exactly what their futures would hold. 

Walker and Takitaki were free agents after the year and each eventually signed back with the team for minimal deals due to their injury status. Both linebackers are expected to have huge roles on defense this season despite not playing any snaps in the preseason.

In Sunday's game against the Bengals, both played solid football and seemed to be where they were supposed to. They primarily split snaps at the 'MIKE' linebacker with JOK at the "WILL'. The defense only played a traditional base with three linebackers on the field together defense on a couple of snaps. 

Walker had one tackle in 34 snaps and finished with an overall 61.4 PFF grade and Takitaki made three tackles in 23 snaps while finishing with a 64.8 grade from PFF. Watch Takitaki chase and get in on this tackle below.

In many recent years, the Browns defense communication has been broken. Guys scrambling to get aligned, etc.

Just watch all of these guys communicating so well and finding the same page. Vibe is so different. #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/bTbiZhqva9

— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) September 12, 2023

It will be interesting to watch them over the course of the season as they gain confidence in their health but also playing in a different scheme that demands a little more out of them blitzing and disguising. I'm sure it was an emotional day for both players after witnessing Jakeem Grant only make it back for one play before suffering another brutal injury a few weeks prior in Kansas City. We look forward to seeing both play quality football while finishing the season in good health.