National Football League

Browns C Alex Mack place on injured reserve

Published Oct. 17, 2014 4:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) The Browns have placed Pro Bowl center Alex Mack on injured reserve with a broken left leg, officially ending his 2014 season.

Mack broke his fibula on Sunday while blocking on a running play in the first half of Cleveland's 31-10 win over Pittsburgh. Mack underwent successful surgery on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team said Mack is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2015 season.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said losing Mack ''is tough.''

''It was extensive enough that there is no chance he could return this year,'' Pettine said. ''I think we all knew if it was anything more than a clean break, it would be the season for Alex.''

Mack, a University of California graduate, has spent all six of his NFL seasons with the Browns.

Right guard John Greco is expected to fill in for Mack and start at center this week against Jacksonville. The Browns offensive line, which has played at a high level this season, could undergo more changes in the weeks ahead. The team also promoted offensive lineman Ryan Seymour from its practice squad, giving it seven offensive linemen on its 53-man roster.

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