NFL teams
Pat McManamon, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Browns OL Joel Bitonio placed on IR, out for season

NFL, Cleveland Browns

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio was placed on injured reserve Friday with a mid-foot sprain. Coach Hue Jackson said Bitonio is done for the season.

"Obviously, he's out for the rest of this year," Jackson said. "It's unfortunate. Joel is one of our best players up there. It makes it a little tough. But again, we'll find a way."

Bitonio's mid-foot sprain is the latest in a wave of injuries that has affected the Browns this season. The team ranks second in the league with 17 players ruled out of games, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

"This is our time right now," Jackson said. "We're going through it. Hopefully we'll get through all of these issues and our future will be bright, because maybe the injury gods will look down on us as we move forward and say, 'OK, you guys have had your fair share for years to come.'"

Jackson said he did not know whether Bitonio would need surgery. Bitonio said he would visit Dr. Robert Anderson, a nationally known foot expert, next week in Charlotte.

The lineman hurt his right foot after it got tangled up with other players during a Hail Mary on the last play of the first half in Cleveland's loss to New England last Sunday. He played the entire second half with the injury.

"You're always a little bit beat up out there, and you don't ever want to let your teammates down," Bitonio said.

The Browns privately and publicly had been very happy with Bitonio, saying he had been playing at a Pro Bowl level.

"He's one of the best guards in the NFL," left tackle Joe Thomas said.

Bitonio's injury is one of many the Browns have had on the offensive line. With Bitonio out, Alvin Bailey will move from right to left guard, John Greco from center to right guard and Cam Erving will start at center after missing three games with a bruised lung.

Sunday's game at Tennessee will be the fourth in a row that the Browns use a different combination on the offensive line.

Jackson also said that quarterback Josh McCown will not play as he continues to recover from a broken left collarbone. McCown's absence means the Browns will face the Titans with two rookie quarterbacks. Third-round pick Cody Kessler will start, and Kevin Hogan will be the backup. Hogan was signed to the Browns' practice squad just before the season opener and was promoted from the practice squad this week.

The Browns also could use wide receiver Terrelle Pryor at quarterback if needed.

"I feel OK," coach Hue Jackson said. "I think we've practiced with the right thought process in place in case something was to happen to Cody. That we'll be able to function a little bit better than we did a week ago."

Kessler bruised his ribs on his left side in the loss to New England and missed the final three quarters. Charlie Whitehurst replaced him and threw for 182 yards, but he hurt his knee late in the loss and was released with an injury settlement. Robert Griffin III and McCown were injured in the first two games of the season.

Kessler's ribs improved enough during the week that he practiced Thursday. He will start Sunday.

McCown tested his left shoulder all week, but the team's doctors and trainers decided it was wise for him to miss another game.

"I think he's close; I think he's really close," Jackson said. "Just talking to our medical staff it's the best thing to do for another week."

Cornerback Joe Haden (groin) did not take part in the team's practice -- Friday is a walk-through -- and is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision. It's the second time Haden tweaked a groin muscle during practice.

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