Mason Graham knee injury: brutal blow after 4-sack start

Dustin Judge
Mason Graham knee injury: Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham at the 2025 NFL Draft after being picked fifth overall

Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham was ruled out of Thursday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a left knee injury, The Mason Graham knee injury is a blow to a Cleveland defense that leaned on him early this season, though the Browns still won 27-24.

What happened in the Mason Graham knee injury

Graham was hurt on Pittsburgh’s opening drive when he got tangled with a Steelers offensive lineman and fell, CBS Sports reported. He walked off under his own power, was examined in the blue medical tent and then went to the locker room. The Browns first listed him as questionable to return, then updated his status to out at halftime, NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk reported.

The Steelers’ Roman Wilson, Graham’s former Michigan teammate, scored a touchdown on the same drive, per CBS Sports.

Browns lose depth up front

Mike Hall Jr. replaced Graham, then left on a cart with an ankle injury late in the second quarter when teammate Jared Verse was blocked into his leg. Hall returned and sacked Aaron Rodgers late in the third quarter, Dawg Pound Daily reported.

Why Graham matters

Graham, 23, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and played at Michigan from 2022 to 2024. Before the Mason Graham knee injury, he had four sacks in the first three games, at least one in each, including two sacks and seven tackles in a Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Browns had not announced a return timeline in the game-night reports reviewed. For background on the matchup, read our Steelers vs. Browns preview and our story on Rodgers’ record chase.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.