Browns rule out DTs Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr. for Sunday vs. Jets
Cleveland will be without its two starting defensive tackles against the Jets, ruling out Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. for Sunday
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The Cleveland Browns will be without both starting defensive tackles for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Mason Graham (knee) and Mike Hall Jr. (ankle) were both ruled out, joining a defensive front already managing injuries into the weekend matchup.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): Updated: #Browns DTs Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. both ruled out for the #Jets game; Jets RB Breece Hall and WR Adonai Mitchell ruled out too
Both players had missed practice for a third straight day on Friday, with Graham battling knee and ankle issues and Hall Jr. dealing with an ankle problem. Their absence removes the core of Cleveland's interior rush and run-stopping ability against a Jets offense that will be operating without running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell — a matchup where the Browns' interior was expected to be a major factor.
Without Graham and Hall Jr., the Browns turn to their depth tackles to hold up against the run and generate pressure from the inside. The pairing has been central to head coach Todd Monken's defense this season, so defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg's rotation will be tested for snaps and production.
Given both players were unable to practice all week, the team's decision to rule them out came as little surprise, but it still reshapes a matchup where Cleveland hoped to lean on its front line.