The Browns cleared linebacker Carson Schwesinger for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, removing any injury designation after he managed a sore ankle throughout the week.
Schwesinger played through the issue in last week’s victory and will remain available for the Week 7 matchup. The team limited his practice workload, as he sat out Wednesday’s session before returning as a limited participant on Thursday.
The second-year linebacker has recorded 56 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles through six games. He posted a season-high 13 tackles in the Browns’ 13-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens, including a forced fumble that shifted momentum late in the contest.
Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg highlighted Schwesinger’s consistency when discussing the performance.
“The way he works, the way he prepares, and the way he shows up for his teammates, it’s unbelievable,” Rutenberg said.
Schwesinger has built on a standout rookie campaign in which he started all 16 games. The 2025 second-round pick finished with 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions, earning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Against the Ravens, his forced fumble on Derrick Henry early in the fourth quarter proved pivotal. Cornerback Tyson Campbell recovered the ball, giving Cleveland a short field that set up Audric Estime’s game-tying touchdown run. It marked the only turnover of the afternoon.
Schwesinger later explained the emphasis on creating takeaways.
“The ball is oxygen,” he said.
Baltimore scored 10 points in the first quarter but was held scoreless the rest of the way. Cleveland forced punts on seven of the Ravens’ final nine possessions, allowing an inconsistent offense to stay in the game. Andre Szmyt’s field goal sealed the win, improving the Browns to 4-2.
Cleveland now holds victories over both Baltimore and Pittsburgh and sits atop the AFC North on tiebreakers. The defense has been central to the early success, ranking among the league’s better units in points allowed.
Schwesinger’s availability arrives amid other defensive questions. Linebacker Quincy Williams is questionable with a neck injury, safety Grant Delpit is questionable while progressing through concussion protocol, and cornerback Denzel Ward is questionable after a hand injury limited him Friday.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham is expected to return after missing two games with knee and ankle issues. Fellow defensive tackles Mike Hall Jr. and Kalia Davis have been ruled out.
Tennessee enters the game averaging 236.3 yards per game, last in the NFL, and 14.0 points per game. Quarterback Cam Ward completed 11 of 22 passes for 102 yards in last week’s win over Indianapolis.
The Titans’ offensive struggles present an opportunity for Cleveland’s defense to maintain its recent form. Schwesinger’s presence in the middle remains a key factor as the Browns look to protect their standing in the division.
