Browns leading tackler out vs. Chargers with neck injury

The Cleveland Browns will be without Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for their Week 9 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, per Cory Kinnan of Browns Wire.

Owusu-Koramoah suffered a neck injury on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens when he collided with Ravens running back Derrick Henry.

While he was immobilized and carted off the field, Owusu-Koramoah had movement in all his extremities and was hospitalized overnight as a precaution.

Leading the team with 61 total tackles, Owusu-Koramoah has been a force on defense this season. For a team that has struggled offensively until their Week 8 performance against the Ravens, the linebacker has been a constant presence for the Browns defensively. Along with his 61 total tackles, he has three sacks, one forced fumble and an interception this season.

Owusu-Koramoah may not be the only key player on defense with injury concerns. Cornerback Denzel Ward, who leads the league in passes defended with 12, suffered his sixth documented concussion since entering the NFL in 2018, according to CBS Sports.

Until their Week 8 victory, the Browns offense had struggled mightily. Defensively, the team has allowed 21 or fewer points in five of their eight games, showing the importance of players like Owusu-Koramoah and Ward.

As the Browns bye week looms in Week 10, getting healthy on defense is extremely important, especially considering the uptick in offensive production under Jameis Winston on Sunday.