National Football League

Source: Browns safety Gipson out at least a month with sprained MCL

Published Nov. 24, 2014 1:23 p.m. ET

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The NFL's interception leader will miss at least a month.

Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson sustained a sprained MCL in Sunday's win against the Atlanta Falcons, a source told FOX Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo.

Gipson was carted off the field after he collided with cornerback Joe Haden trying to break up a pass. Moments after Gipson attempted to get to his feet, he fell to the turf, struggling to put any weight on his right leg.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday that the team has not yet decided whether to place Gipson on injured reserve. Pettine said the uncertain timetable for Gipson's return combined with having just five games left in the regular season makes it difficult.

Veteran Jim Leonhard replaced Gipson against the Falcons and will likely take over his spot.

"Gipson is one of the best safeties, one of the top three in the NFL, for sure," Haden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Tom Reed. "Losing him, you can't replace him, but in the NFL nobody is going to feel bad for you."

The Browns defense is ailing without Phil Taylor and Karlos Dansby.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.