The Browns depth at linebacker took a hit on Tuesday as head coach Hue Jackson announced middle linebacker Tank Carder tore his ACL Monday night against New York.

Carder was the starting middle linebacker prior to the injury, he went down early in Monday’s game and didn’t return. He was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and his right knee was in a brace. 

This injury is a tough break for Carder. Essentially the special teams leader for the Browns since joining the team in 2012, he was given an opportunity to compete for a starting role in Gregg Williams’ defense. 

Now it’s likely he was going to lose the job to Joe Schobert who’s having an excellent preseason so far but you knew Carder was going to make this team and have some sort of role on defense and you know he’s dependable on special teams as he’s shown throughout his career. 

Schobert will obviously take over as the start at the position but you have to wonder what they’ll do behind him at that position for this season. 

According to the depth chart, the only other middle linebacker currently is undrafted rookie Kenneth Olugbode who has made some plays in the first two preseason games. 

They have guys like Dominique Alexander, B.J. Bello, Deon King and Ladell Fleming who are fighting for a roster spot and potentially could slide over from outside to inside linebacker because Williams loves players who are versatile. 

The Browns could also wait for the cut downs and go on the hunt for some depth through the waiver wire and trades.