CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will have their defensive signal-caller back for their trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Sunday. The team activated Anthony Walker Jr. off of injured reserve after he missed three games with a hamstring injury.
They also signed defensive end Joe Jackson back to the practice squad after waiving him on Thursday, and elevated Jackson and safety Jovante Moffatt for the game.
Signed this offseason to a one-year deal, Walker was brought in to replace B.J. Goodson as the player wearing the green sticker, indicating the player on defense with the headset in his helmet who receives the calls from the sideline.
Walker played 62 of the 65 defensive snaps against the Chiefs in Week 1 before the team placed him on injured reserve. He injured the hamstring late in the week leading up to the Texans game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Malcolm Smith has started all three games at MIKE linebacker since Walker went out.
“Anthony’s a great player. He’s an instinctive player, he’s talented, he’s quick, he’s fast, he knows how to get to the ball,” defensive run game coordinator Ben Bloom said on Friday. “He’s just got so much experience playing the game, so when you add that guy to the mix, it’s going to make you better. He’s a terrific leader and communicator out on the field, he really helps his teammates understand what the formation is and what our job is from a play-to-play basis so adding him is a huge plus and we’re excited about that.”
The Browns also brought back linebacker Elijah Lee on Friday. Lee’s contract was terminated on Tuesday. He was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, the same day the Browns designated Walker for return, and then signed to the active roster on Friday. Lee played 33 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in Week 3 against Chicago and 21 percent in Minnesota.
Get the latest Browns merchandise: Here’s where you can order Cleveland Browns gear online, including jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and much more.
More Browns coverage
Communication is key for OBJ, Mayfield as they strengthen connection
On Mayfield’s (and Beckham’s) partially torn labrum, and trying to connect: Berea Report
Teammates respect Mayfield fighting through discomfort
How Kevin Stefanski’s offense has (and hasn’t) evolved through 4 weeks
Mayfield’s partially torn left labrum is no big deal, didn’t cause bad game: Sources
Diving into Mayfield and the defensive line: Gotta Watch The Tape
Mayfield falls after Week 4, but how far? NFL QB power rankings
Johnson adjusting to new role; JOK unimpressed by high ranking: Takeaways
Mayfield on Instagram: Winning is the priority for me
How Mayfield’s slow start might affect his contract extension: Cabot
Mayfield says harness on left shoulder shouldn’t affect throws
Ad Choices