Browns place FS Jordan Poyer on IR

The Cleveland Browns have lost starting free safety Jordan Poyer for the remainder of the season due to a lacerated kidney. Poyer suffered the injury when he was on the receiving end of a blindside block on a punt return this past Sunday against the Tennessee Titans:

Poyer was rushed to the hospital and was not released until Tuesday. Because of the injury, Poyer said he was unable to fly, so he’d be taking an 8-hour car ride from Nashville to Cleveland. On Instagram, Poyer posted the following message:

Already cant wait to be back out there fighting with my brothers man. This situation is very frustrating but I will come back stronger. I wanted to thank everyone for the love and support #dawgpound

Poyer was third on the team with 36 tackles to along with 3 tackles on special teams. Taking Poyer’s spot on the roster is S Ed Reynolds (6-1, 207 lbs). He was a sixth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. He played in 6 games last year, finishing with 21 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 interception.

Reynolds led the Eagles in tackles this preseason with 10, and he also logged an interception. Philadelphia had a crowded group at the safety position, though, with two clear starters in Rodney McCleod and Malcolm Jenkins.

For the moment, the Browns are listing undrafted free agent cornerback Tracy Howard as their starting free safety heading into this Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Howard filled in for Poyer after the injury occurred against Tennessee.