The Browns spent the last couple years not only trying to get younger and more athletic, but add depth to a roster sorely lacking in it. The one position they have yet to strongly address is linebacker.
And wouldn't you know it? That's where they just got nailed. The loss of weak-side LB Chris Gocong to Achilles surgery could expose that lack of depth. Third-year veteran Kaluka Maiava has replaced Gocong in the starting lineup. And if strong-side LB Scott Fujita misses the first three games to a suspension for his alleged involvement in Bountygate, rookie James-Michael Johnson could be pressed into service. He at least brings speed and quickness to a slow unit.
Fujita said he's optimistic the suspension will be reduced or overturned, but coach Pat Shurmur understands that others must step up. He said he's particularly optimistic about Maiava, who played respectably when filling in for Fujita last year.
"Kaluka is very quick, very instinctive a good tackler and good in coverage," Shurmur said. "He brings everything to the linebacker spot."
The Browns will make further evaluations in the preseason, which begins Friday night in Detroit.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.
