Browns Linebacker Carson Schwesinger foregoes Bye Week to Focus on Injury Recovery
CLEVELAND,OH – November 7,2025 – Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger is using the team’s bye week to rehabilitate an undisclosed injury,opting to remain in Cleveland rather than join teammates on their time off. The decision underscores Schwesinger’s commitment to returning to the field at full strength.
Schwesinger, selected 33rd overall in the second round of the draft, had been playing at a Defensive Rookie of the Year caliber before the injury. He currently leads the Browns with 60 tackles, ranking third among all NFL rookies. He is the only rookie this season to achieve at least 15 tackles, one sack, and one interception.
The linebacker’s impact extends beyond statistics; he has quickly become a defensive leader, earning the responsibility of wearing the “green dot” - the helmet communication device for receiving play calls.
“It’s football,” Schwesinger said. “There’s nothing besides it’s just football. I mean, that’s what’s going to happen when you’re playing.”
The Browns have depth at linebacker with veterans Devin Bush Jr. (57 tackles) and Jerome Baker Jr., as well as third-year pro Mohamoud Diabate and rookie Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz expressed confidence in the team’s options and Schwesinger’s eventual return.
“We have a lot of different ways that we can go with it and, you know, we’ll practice that way and just see where it lands,” Schwartz said. “But, yeah, Carson means a lot to us, not just from his play – but also his communication and, you know, things like that. And I think he’s also stepping in with some leadership things. … we’ll get him back on the field. Whether it’s this week, next week after, whatever it is indeed, I think you’ll continue to see a lot of those same positives from him.”
This marks Schwesinger’s first meaningful injury during his football career, having previously avoided such setbacks at UCLA. He emphasized the importance of a careful recovery process.
“Oh, definitely,” Schwesinger said. “I think there’s no time when you want to step on the field when you can’t go and be out there to help the team. So there’s never a point to push it if I’m not going to be at my best.”
