While the Cleveland Browns were busy deciding on who their quarterback would be for the 2026 season, a key injury on defense did not get as much attention as it otherwise would have. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger sat out almost all of training camp, and with the regular season approaching, it remained to be seen if he would be ready for Week 1.
The injury was not serious enough for the Browns to reveal a discouraging timetable, so there was always optimism that Schwesinger’s return to the field was right around the corner. Now, as the Browns are totally focused on facing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13, they know the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year will be part of those plans.
The Browns got some good news on Schwesinger on Saturday, as the potential All-Pro will be back at practice.
“Good news for the Browns: Carson Schwesinger will practice today after missing most of training camp with an undisclosed injury. Still two weeks until the season opener in Jacksonville,” Jeff Schudel posted.
Good news for the #Browns: Carson Schwesinger will practice today after missing most of training camp with an undisclosed injury. Still two weeks until the season opener in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/DBDdq18VAY
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) August 29, 2026
Schwesinger had not practiced since July 31, and head coach Todd Monken maintained throughout that the Browns were just being “overly cautious” with him. The 23-year-old would not reveal what his injury was, but he seemed upbeat when speaking to the media.
“It’s just football. Sometimes things happen and you’ve gotta try to be smart about it. Ready to roll now,” Schwesinger said.
His importance to the defense is even more important than it looked through most of the offseason, following the trade of All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in June. Schwesinger lost some key practice time with the revamped unit, including Jared Verse, Quincy Williams and defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, but he said he was confident he would get right back up to speed.
Schwesinger mentioned he enjoyed watching another member of his 2025 rookie class, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, run the defense in his absence. The second-round pick also said that he was able to keep up with mental reps, although it will be interesting to see how the defense operates with Schwesinger back for the first time in the season opener.
Based on his talent level and stellar rookie season, the Browns should be just fine if Schwesinger is indeed at 100 percent to start the campaign.
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