Browns DT Mason Graham Facing Short-Term Absence

The second-year defensive tackle was ruled out shortly after being injured. Following the game, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com noted Graham left the stadium on crutches and had a brace on his left knee. Prior to today’s MRI taking place, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport nevertheless reported (video link) the Browns were optimistic a long-term absence was not going to be in store.

Testing has proven those early inclinations to be right. Graham has avoided a major injury, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The MRI revealed an MCL sprain as well as an ankle sprain, Rapoport adds. As a result, Graham is expected to miss a few weeks with the worst-case scenario having been avoided.

Still, an absence of any length will be acutely felt by the Browns. Graham posted four sacks in his first three games, marking a notable step forward from his lack of pass rush production as a rookie. Taken with the fifth overall pick last April after Cleveland traded out of the No. 2 slot, Graham was a full-time starter in 2025. That campaign saw him record just 0.5 sacks and seven quarterback pressures.

Early in 2026, Graham has already registered five pressures along with six tackles for loss. The Michigan product has played a key role in Cleveland’s success to begin the season. The Browns have posted middling numbers against the run and pass through four games, and they are in danger of regressing on both fronts for as long as Graham is sidelined. It will be interesting to see if injured reserve – which would require at least a four-game absence – will receive consideration in this case.