National Football League

Browns defense reeling, limping

Published Nov. 17, 2014 6:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

If the Cleveland Browns are going to continue to compete for a playoff spot, they're going to have to do it with a patchwork defense.

Starting linebackers Karlos Dansby and Jabaal Sheard were injured in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. Monday, Browns coach Mike Pettine said Dansby could miss a month after injuring his left knee and Sheard could be out for the season with a foot injury.

Their losses came two days after starting defensive end Phil Taylor was placed on injured-reserve. The Browns struggling run defense gave up 213 rushing yards to the Texans, who were playing without their best running back, Arian Foster.

"It's something we have to find a way to overcome," Pettine said.

Dansby, a big-ticket free agent addition last spring, had been one of the defense's best players and most important leaders. Sheard, a free agent after the season, has been starting all season, too.

Sheard made a regularly scheduled radio appearance in the Cleveland area Monday afternoon. He wore a protective boot on his foot but did not have crutches, and he said he still hopes to play this week.

The defensive line was the deepest and arguably the most talented position group on the team entering the season. Armonty Bryant suffered a season-ending injury in September, Taylor's second injury landed him on injured-reserve late last week and John Hughes is on injured-reserve/designated to return but isn't eligible to return until the season finale.

Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo has been playing with a bad shoulder since early in the season. Mingo wears a harness under his pads and has essentially been playing with one arm.

The Browns ranked 28th in run defense before Sunday and slipped to 31st with one Week 11 game still pending. They did not record a sack on Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett in Sunday's game.

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