Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. hurt his knee during practice this week and may be placed on injured reserve, adding to the difficulties for the team’s top draft pick in 2024.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Hall got injured during a drill on Thursday as the Browns (2-7) practiced indoors in preparation for their game against New Orleans on Sunday.
Hall has been ruled out for this week’s game against the Saints (3-7), and Stefanski mentioned that Hall could be a candidate for injured reserve, meaning he would have to miss at least four games. Stefanski did not confirm if Hall, who is 21, needs surgery.
“Not really going there yet, other than to say IR is a potential,” Stefanski said. Hall has played in only four games this season, but Stefanski had been positive about his progress.
“What you’re getting from Mike is a lot of positive plays both on defense and on special teams,” Stefanski said. “He was providing some good plays for us. So, disappointed, but we’ll see how it all shakes out. But believe that this young man’s going to be a good football player for us.”
A second-round pick from Ohio State, Hall’s start in the NFL has been tough. He was arrested during the summer on a domestic violence charge, but the charge was later reduced to disorderly conduct.
After the incident in August, Hall was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and suspended for five games by the league.
Hall made his NFL debut in Week 6 against Philadelphia and had been expected to get more playing time at defensive end after the Browns traded Za’Darius Smith to Detroit.
On Thursday, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz talked about Hall’s athleticism, saying it made him a versatile player and a good fit at defensive end.
Hall was one of several younger players the Browns had hoped to develop further in a season that has been disappointing so far.
