Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki played out the rest of his rookie contract on the injured reserve. He tore his ACL in week 13 and missed the rest of the season. He signed a one-year deal with the Browns in order to try and prove that he deserves a long-term deal. Seven months after the injury, he is ready to start the 2023 season.

Cleveland Browns Sione Takitaki On ACL Recovery

On an episode of Best Podcast Available Takitaki talked about how excited he is for the 2023 season.

“I am excited. The rehab process has been going well. I like where I am at. Just been rehabbing a ton and just trying to get back to physical form. I like where I am and feel we can make a big comeback. I am ready to help anywhere I can.”

The 28-year-old linebacker is ready to help a Cleveland team that is looking for a year of normalcy. After the craziness of last year with the Deshaun Watson drama, the Browns are ready to move forward and the defense especially could surprise some people.

An Underrated Unit

People are not talking enough about this Browns’ defense. It starts with one of the best hires of the offseason. Jim Schwartz was hired as the defensive coordinator and he has a history of running successful defenses. He has a top edge rusher in Myles Garrett to work with plus plenty of other nice pieces. If the offense can find more continuity, this team could make some noise in the AFC North. While I don’t think they are in line to win it all, this team should be vastly improved from last year.

The Cleveland Browns are hoping to get big performances out of players like Sione Takitaki this year. If they do, they could play spoiler in a loaded AFC.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Suns fill out Mike Budenholzer's coaching staff
Timberwolves boycotted TNT in support of criticized bigs
Watch: Oilers offense responds after big hit on Corey Perry
Pistons parting ways with GM after hiring new head of ops
Seahawks WR doesn’t hold back on praise for QB Sam Howell
Report: Cowboys quietly 'all in' on Dak Prescott decision
Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight temporarily postponed
Diamondbacks ace heading to injured list with hamstring strain
Golden Knights, key winger have mutual interest but face financial crunch
Caitlin Clark frustrated by physical WNBA play: 'I feel like I'm getting hammered'
Pelicans to defer Lakers' first-rounder to 2025
Former top-10 WR pick speaks on retirement regret, comeback try
Orioles lose two starting pitchers to season-ending surgeries
Cavaliers to interview Knicks, Heat assistants for HC opening
Cowboys RB trying out new position during OTAs
Lions sign second-round cornerback
Why Timberwolves players skipped TNT interview after Game 4
Yankees' Aaron Judge, Juan Soto make MLB history with impressive offensive numbers
Guardians designate once-vaunted outfielder for assignment
Inside source shares telling comment about Juan Soto's feelings on Mets

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.