The Browns could be without both starting outside linebackers to begin the season, as team officials fear Chris Gocong has torn his Achilles tendon.
Sources told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer they feared the worst with the injury, which happened without contact Saturday morning.
“It would be a huge hit,’'linebacker D’Qwell Jackson said. “Chris is a great player.’'
The Browns’ weakside linebacker was defending on a pass play when he reached down and grabbed his lower right leg, and was later helped to a cart by trainers without putting any weight on his right leg.
The Browns will also miss starting strongside linebacker Scott Fujita for the first three games because of his bounty suspension, leaving them extremely thin at the position if Gocong’s injury is as feared.