Browns rookie DT Mike Hall Jr. suffers knee injury, coach says he is a candidate for injured reserve

By TOM WITHERS

Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. suffered a knee injury in practice this week and could be placed on injured reserve, another setback for the team’s top 2024 draft pick.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Hall was injured during a practice on Nov. 14 when the Browns (2-7) practiced in their indoor facility to prepare for their Nov. 17 game in New Orleans.

Hall was ruled out this week against the Saints (3-7) and Stefanski said he is a candidate for IR, which would mean he would have to sit out at least four games. Stefanski did not say whether Hall, 21, will need surgery.

“I’m not really going there yet, other than to say IR is a potential,” Stefanski said.

Hall has only played in four games, but Stefanski was encouraged by his progress.

“What you get from Mike is a lot of positive play, both on defense and on special teams,” Stefanski said. “He made some good plays for us. So disappointed, but we’ll see how it all works out. But believe that this young man will become a good football player for us.”

A second-round pick out of Ohio State, Hall’s The professional career gets off to a shaky start. He was arrested over the summer on domestic violence charges and later for disorderly conduct.

Hall was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after the August incident and suspended five games by the league.

He made his debut in week 6 against Philadelphia and was expected to see some playing time at defensive end for the rest of this season after the recent trade from the Browns Za’Darius Smith to Detroit.

On November 14, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz talked about Hall’s athleticism, making him a versatile player and ultimately a potential fit.

Hall was one of several younger players the Browns hoped to develop further in what has been a disappointing season.

Originally published: November 15, 2024 at 7:23 PM EST