Scott

Fujita

Fujita will likely miss the Jacksonville game.

That’s an improved prognosis from earlier in the week.

Don’t expect either to suit up on Sunday. We expect the Jaguars offense to do well versus the Chiefs.

Fujita was a member of the Saints from 2006-2009. He is presumably facing a suspension, illustrating how the league’s investigation of the Saints will have ramifications far beyond New Orleans. Fujita started 10 games for the Browns last season before being sent to injured reserve with a hand injury in November, notching 50 tackles.

Packers DE Anthony Hargrove (eight games), Saints DE Will Smith (four games) and Browns LB Scott Fujita (three games) have also filed appeals. The NFLPA had already filed grievances on the suspended players’ behalf, so Vilma’s appeal may be a purely procedural move. It’s highly unlikely the league will take mercy on Vilma after upholding the bans of coach Sean Payton, GM Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt.

The NFL’s investigation concluded that Vilma, as captain of the defense, aided Greg Williams in establishing and funding the bounty program. Vilma’s suspension will kick in immediately while Packers DE Anthony Hargrove (8 games), Saints DE Will Smith (4 games), and Browns LB Scott Fujita (3 games) are allowed to participate in OTAs and preseason action. Curtis Lofton will shift to middle linebacker, with David Hawthorne on the weak side and one of Scott Shanle, Martez Wilson, and Chris Chamberlain on the strong side. No other players will be suspended for the bounty scandal.

The NFL’s investigation concluded that Fujita pledged a “significant” amount of money in the bounty/performance pool. When Fujita missed time last year, Chris Gocong slid over to the strong side with Kaluka Maiava entering on the weak side. All four players suspended are expected to appeal. “Get ready for a massive multiple legal battle over this on several fronts,” a source tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“I was so happy with Emmanuel, and how hard he plays,” Jauron said. The Browns also want to bring back 33-year-old OLB Scott Fujita, who Jauron says is the “definition of a pro” and “clearly a guy that takes care of himself.”

Coach Pat Shurmur even suggested Fujita may land on injured reserve. Though he’s now 32 years old and has spent much of his career as a journeyman type, Fujita has been one of the few Cleveland defenders who are effective versus the run. With Fujita out, the Browns will turn to Chris Gocong at strong-side linebacker with Kaluka Maiava entering the starting lineup on the weak side.

Fujita broke his hand in two places late in last week’s loss to the Bengals. Signed through 2012 at $3.65 million, Fujita should return in the same role as one of Cleveland’s top defenders. He turns 33 in the offseason, so the Browns may look to draft his eventual successor.