BROWNS DEFENSIVE LINEMAN MASON GRAHAM LEAVES GAME WITH KNEE INJURY

Mason Graham, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, left Thursday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a knee injury. He suffered the injury in the first quarter when Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren's run bent his leg back awkwardly, with 7 minutes 27 seconds remaining. Graham stayed on the ground grabbing his left knee before walking off the field under his own power. He made a brief visit to the sideline medical tent before heading to the locker room for further evaluation. The Browns subsequently listed him as questionable to return.

Cleveland selected Graham with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft, and he had recorded four sacks across the team's first three games this season. He walked with less of a limp when leaving the field than he had shown immediately after the injury. Pittsburgh capitalised on his absence, scoring on its opening drive to take a 7-0 lead. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 6 of 8 passes for 60 yards on the drive, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roman Wilson. The possession covered 78 yards over 17 plays and lasted 9 minutes 48 seconds. Cleveland committed three defensive penalties for 25 yards during the sequence, while Pittsburgh's DK Metcalf received a 15-yard penalty for taunting.

The Browns' ongoing evaluation of Graham's knee will determine whether he can return later in the game or faces a longer lay-off. Any extended absence would affect Cleveland's pass rush, given his output so far this season. No further update on his condition had been provided at the time of reporting. Pittsburgh held its 7-0 lead as the game continued following the opening drive.