Mack

Wilson Sr.

Wilson landed hard on his right shoulder while making a tackle and was escorted to the sideline by the training staff. Wilson was seen seemingly shaking the pain off and beginning a dialogue with one of the Cardinals’ coaches. He appears likely to return.

Wilson was an every-down player as a 2019 rookie in Cleveland before settling in as a part-timer for Cleveland and New England. We would have to imagine that remains the case in Arizona, though his average-annual value suggests someone who could see more in the 500-600 snap range than the 200-300 he managed the past two years.

Wilson drew the start with Ja’Whaun Bentley sidelined this week. Typically a special teamer, Wilson has 18 total tackles and one TFL this season.

Wilson played one season with the Patriots last season after the team acquired him in exchange for Chase Winovich. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Wilson’s return to the Patriots is likely nothing more than a depth signing for the Patriots. The Texans also reportedly had an interest in Wilson.

Wilson was acquired by the Patriots in last year’s trade that sent Chase Winovich to the Browns. In his lone season with the Pats, Wilson totaled 36 tackles and 1.5 sacks, contributing primarily on passing downs. Aside from a decent 2021 campaign, Wilson has regularly struggled in pass coverage. He can provide added depth to a defense, but shouldn’t be asked to do much as a starter.

A fifth-round pick back in 2019, Wilson struggled as an every-down player as a rookie before transitioning into more of a rotational job the last two seasons. The Patriots have several linebackers headed to free agency, so Wilson should get a shot at a starting job.

Wilson, who the Patriots have eyed since last year, will be part of a retooled New England linebackers group. Winovich, meanwhile, will join a stellar Cleveland pass rush graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s seventh best in 2021. Before a down 2021 in which he played a rotational role for the Pats, Winovich recoded 11 sacks in his first two pro seasons.

Wilson went DNP to DNP to limited this week in practice and faces an uphill battle to being active. It’s not the Browns only front-seven ailment either with elite DE Myles Garrett being ruled out after being placed on the COVID-19 list. This injury report makes Miles Sanders more appealing as an RB1 play.

This was expected after Wilson elected to forego surgery and allow his injured knee to naturally heal starting in August. It goes from bad to worse for the Browns, however, as CBs Greedy Williams (shoulder) and Kevin Johnson (liver) have also been ruled out. Not that you need us to tell you this, but start.your.Ravens.

It’s good news for a player who seemed headed toward season-ending surgery. Tae Davis and rookie Jacob Phillips have filled in for Wilson in Browns camp, and could continue to see action throughout September.