Browns’ Carlson Out For Season

Stephen Carlson’s third year in the National Football League is over — almost before it even began.

The Cleveland Browns tight end injured his knee during the first half of Saturday’s 23-13 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

On Sunday, the Browns confirmed that the 2015 Jamestown High School graduate suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Carlson’s mother, Sue, confirmed that he tore both the ACL and MCL in his knee and will require surgery within the next two weeks. The estimate recovery time is nine to 12 months.

“Friends, I want to share with you personally through Facebook some news and ask for good vibes and prayer,” Sue Carlson wrote on Facebook. “Many of you know from last night’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars that after Stephen caught a couple balls and blocked well at the start of the first quarter, he left the field to the locker room with Browns staff. Little did he know then that he won’t be playing football for 9-12 months because he tore his ACL and MCL, and needs surgery in two weeks! This is so upsetting to him and a super-shock.”

Carlson made the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after a successful collegiate career at Princeton University. He landed a spot on the practice squad before being activated to the 53-man roster in Week 9. A few weeks later, he sealed a Browns’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time by catching a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield — the first reception of his career.

Last season, Carlson was a standout on special teams, securing two wins over the Steelers with onside-kick recoveries, the latter in the AFC Wild-Card round.

It was generally viewed by media members following the Browns that he would again make the team as a fourth-string tight end this season behind Austin Hooper, David Njoku and Harrison Bryant.