Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns‘ defense has already dealt with its share of challenges this season, and now it appears the unit will be without one of its promising young pieces for an extended period. Rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., who had just begun to make an impact after returning from a suspension, suffered a knee injury in practice on Thursday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Friday that Hall is likely facing a significant amount of time on the sidelines, with Injured Reserve (IR) a real possibility, which would keep him out for at least four games.
A Rocky Start to the Season for Hall
Hall, who was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous start to his rookie campaign. He missed the first four games of the season while on the Exempt List due to a domestic violence arrest this summer. That absence was followed by a five-game suspension under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, with the games counting against his suspension.
Despite the setbacks, Hall had shown flashes of his potential since returning to the field. He made his season debut in Week 5 and, in the limited time he has played, has recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they highlight Hall’s ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and get into the backfield — skills that were expected to translate quickly at the pro level given his talent and college production at Ohio State.
Impact on the Browns’ Defense
The Browns’ defense has been one of the team’s bright spots in 2023, particularly under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, whose aggressive schemes have helped Cleveland remain competitive in a tough AFC North. Hall, with his interior pass-rushing ability and versatility, was expected to contribute to that effort, especially with his potential to help collapse the pocket alongside fellow defensive linemen like Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith.
The loss of Hall is a blow to a Browns defensive line that already features plenty of talent but could have used the added depth and explosiveness that Hall brought. Cleveland has been able to make up for the absence of several key players in the past, but this injury leaves a hole in the interior line, especially in obvious passing situations. Hall’s ability to get pressure up the middle was something that set him apart as a prospect and could have played a key role in the Browns’ pass-rushing rotation.
What’s Next for the Browns?
With Hall’s injury likely forcing him to miss several games, the Browns will need to rely on their depth at defensive tackle. Dalvin Tomlinson, who was signed in free agency this offseason, will likely take on an even larger role in the middle of the defensive line. Tomlinson, a veteran presence, has been solid for the Browns so far and will be expected to help anchor the interior of the defense.
Additionally, Taven Bryan and Trysten Hill will likely see increased snaps as Cleveland looks to fill the void left by Hall’s absence. Both players have flashed potential at times, but neither brings the same upside as the rookie Hall, who had impressed coaches and teammates with his motor and ability to get after the quarterback.
While the Browns have managed to stay competitive, their defensive line has been a key factor in their success this season, and losing Hall for any extended period of time could hurt their efforts. The defense, which currently ranks among the top in the league in both total yards and points allowed, will need to continue to play at a high level if the team is to remain in playoff contention.
The Road Ahead for Hall
For Hall, the injury represents another setback in what has already been a challenging rookie year. He came into the NFL with a lot of promise and had shown enough early on to suggest he could be a key part of the Browns’ future. If he is placed on IR, it will not only keep him sidelined for an extended stretch but also delay his development. However, Hall’s talent remains undeniable, and once he’s healthy, he could still be a major contributor to the Browns’ defense down the line.
For now, the Browns will have to weather the storm without one of their young stars, hoping their existing defensive talent can continue to perform at a high level while Hall recovers.
