Browns Sack Leader Mason Graham Sidelined with Double Sprain

The Cleveland Browns just survived a classic AFC North rock fight against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the injury tax has officially come due.

According to Ian Rapoport, defensive lineman Mason Graham is expected to miss a few weeks with an MCL and ankle sprain.

"Ian Rapoport reported that the MRI revealed 'some good news, with hopes that it’s not a long-term injury.'"

Sustaining an MCL sprain and an ankle sprain at the exact same time sounds like the kind of bad luck usually reserved for people who walk under ladders while holding black cats. But somehow, the preliminary MRI results are actually being framed as a win. Graham avoided a season-ending tear, meaning the defensive anchor will be back on the field this year.

Cleveland is currently riding the momentum of back-to-back tight victories, edging out the Carolina Panthers 21-18 before taking down Pittsburgh 27-24. Graham has been the absolute engine of that defensive front, currently leading the team in sacks and generally making offensive linemen look foolish.

Taking your top pass rusher out of the rotation is a massive blow for a defense built on making opposing quarterbacks panic. If you are looking at upcoming Cleveland matchups, you have to factor in a lot more clean pockets and time to throw for whoever is lining up under center.

Graham is on the shelf for the immediate future, leaving the Browns scrambling to patch the interior of their defensive line. The real test now is whether Cleveland can keep their winning streak alive while their primary disruptor rehabs his leg.