The Cleveland Browns are recognized for their formidable defense, a cornerstone of their recent success. In a recent ranking by Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano, the Browns' defensive trio, consisting of Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Carson Schwesinger, was placed seventh among NFL teams. This follows a setback with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's season-ending neck injury, prompting the team to draft Schwesinger in the second round for reinforcement. Garrett, an elite pass rusher, has consistently recorded at least 12 sacks for five seasons and recently secured a four-year, $160 million extension, emphasizing his value to the franchise.

With the absence of Pro Bowler Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for the season, the Cleveland Browns are looking to veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks to fill the void. Hicks, now 32, is recognized as perhaps the team's most underappreciated player, according to NFL.com's Tom Blair. His previous experience under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the Eagles positions him as a pivotal leader for the Browns' defense.

Despite dealing with injuries, Hicks's performance last season showed his resilience and capability to contribute significantly. As he steps into a more prominent role, the Browns will rely heavily on his experience and leadership to guide a young linebacking corps. Fantasy football managers should consider Hicks for depth due to his potential for increased tackles and significant defensive plays.

The Cleveland Browns have put Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the Reserve/PUP list, effectively ending his 2025 season before it began. This decision follows a neck injury that cut short his 2024 campaign. Browns GM Andrew Berry emphasized the team's support for Owusu-Koramoah, stating that health comes first and expressing uncertainty about his long-term future in football.

In his third NFL season, Owusu-Koramoah made a significant impact with 101 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl selection. His absence this season leaves a crucial void in the Browns' defense, particularly alongside star Myles Garrett. The team will need to adjust their defensive strategy while Owusu-Koramoah focuses on his recovery.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the standout linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. This comes after he sustained a neck injury during a game in October 2024, raising significant concerns about his future in the NFL. As a Pro-Bowl caliber player, his absence will undoubtedly impact the Browns' defensive strategy moving forward.

Owusu-Koramoah’s injury not only affects his career trajectory but also raises questions about the depth of the linebacker position for the Browns. The team will need to quickly adapt and possibly seek alternatives to fill the void left by this crucial player. With the linebacker corps already under scrutiny, the Browns now face the dual challenge of restructuring their defense while hoping for Owusu-Koramoah's eventual recovery.