Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Browns' Anthony Walker Jr. out for season following questionable hit

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/23/22

The Cleveland Browns, who beat the Steelers 29-17 on Thursday, learned Friday morning that they will be without linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (torn quad tendon) for the rest of the season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Walker Jr. suffered the injury when Steelers' offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor jumped on top of him while he was lying face down on the turf.

Dirty play on Anthony Walker Jr? pic.twitter.com/JWG9kZR2sD
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 23, 2022

The play drew the ire of those watching the game. Some questioned whether the play was clean and why Okorafor wasn't given a personal foul penalty.

No idea how that hit on Anthony Walker Jr. wasn't a penalty.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 23, 2022

Okorafor, however, said he was "just playing ball," per Pro Football Talk.

Chukwuma Okorafor says he was "just playing ball" when he jumped on Anthony Walker. https://t.co/jmKHpPSHxq
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 23, 2022

Walker Jr. led the team with 113 tackles last season despite only playing in 13 games.

Linebacker Jacob Phillips is expected to move into the starting lineup while Walker Jr. recovers.

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