Anthony

Walker Jr.

Walker, a former fifth-round pick, spent the first four years of his career in Indianapolis before signing with the Browns. Injuries were an issue for him in Cleveland as he appeared in just 27 of a possible 50 games in his three seasons with the team. He started 12 games in 2023, totaling 44 tackles, four pass breakups, and one TFL. Walker will slot into a starting role for a Miami defense that is bleeding talent because of their cap situation this offseason.

Walker missed the last few games and the playoff game with a knee injury but said that he could’ve returned in a month or so if the injury had happened earlier in the year. Walker missed five games with injuries this year, posting just 23 tackles and four passes defended. He’ll be a free agent this offseason.

Linebacker Anthony Walker is also questionable because of a knee issue. Ward hasn’t played since Week 11 because of the shoulder injury. The Browns’ defense has been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, making them a slightly less scary matchup for opposing fantasy options. Justin Fields remains in the QB1 range for Week 15.

Walker first signed with the Browns on a one-year deal in 2021. He immediately took on a starting role and re-upped with Cleveland last offseason. He earned 13 tackles, four TFLs, and two pass breakups in three weeks before a torn quad ended his season. Walker should return to his starting role as an inside linebacker this year. He also pitches in on special teams, giving him extra utility for the Browns.

Walker saw his 2022 cut short by a torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery. Appearing in just three games, he registered 13 tackles and four TFLs in limited action but has multiple seasons with 100+ tackles on his resumé. Having lost Cole Holcomb to free agency, the Commanders have some work to do this offseason to revamp an underwhelming linebacker room.

Walker will require surgery on a torn quad tendon he suffered Thursday night against the Steelers. He was down on the turf for several minutes before being carted off with his leg immobilized. Losing Walker is big for the Browns defense.

Walker’s left leg was immediately air casted after a bizarre third quarter play where he got twisted up then pounced on by a Steelers defender. It should have been a penalty. It’s a huge loss for the Browns, as Walker has continued to play more than 50 percent of the snaps. There’s a strong chance his season is over.

Signed to one-year deal last spring, Walker ended up making 12 starts. It would have been more, but he spent time on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. When healthy, Walker mostly featured in the middle. He was more effective than he was during his time in Indianapolis and figures to remain a near every-down player in 2022.

Walker injured his hamstring in Week 1, and has been on the IR since. The Browns now have a 21-day window to add him to their 53-man roster. The Browns’ defense one of the strongest in the league, and Walker’s return will help keep it that way. The 26 year-old had eight solo tackles in his debut with the Browns.

Walker will miss at least the next three weeks. Signed by Cleveland in March after spending his first four years with the Colts, Walker -- who calls defensive plays for the team -- racked up eight solo tackles in the Browns’ Week 1 loss to Kansas City. His absence shouldn’t affect the Browns defense too much this week against the Texans.