Cleveland Browns Linebacker Injured on Thursday Night Football

The Cleveland Browns might be without one of their leaders on defense for the foreseeable future. Linebacker Anthony Walker left the team's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half following what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

No idea how the refs missed this obvious penalty on a defenseless and injured Anthony Walker. He carted off with a right knee injury moments later.

Dirty, bush league play by #Steelers’ Chukwuma Okorafor. Awful look. Smh.#Browns @fox8newspic.twitter.com/2cWs8jeEsM

— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) September 23, 2022

Walker collapsed awkwardly after a collision with Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor, who then pounced on him, drawing the ire of fans. Walker was placed in an air-cast and carted to the locker room for further evaluation. He did not return. Given the apparent severity of the injury, he could miss the remainder of the season. 

Photo Credit: © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Should Walker be unavailable going forward, the Browns will be short a crucial presence on the inside of their defense. Walker has started 15 games for the Browns since joining the team in 2021, tallying 126 total tackles. Initially drafted 161st overall in 2017, Walker started 48 games for the Indianapolis Colts across his first four years in the league. He had been off to a stellar start this season, notching a league-high four tackles for loss and earning an elite 90.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.