The Cleveland Browns confirmed a devastating blow to their defensive unit this week, announcing that star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This designation officially sidelines the Pro Bowler for the entire 2026 NFL season, marking the second consecutive year that a severe neck injury has kept him off the gridiron.
The decision, while disappointing for fans and the organization alike, underscores the gravity of the medical situation surrounding one of the league’s most dynamic young defenders. By placing him on the reserve/PUP list well ahead of the summer training camp, the Browns have effectively signaled that “JOK” is still nowhere near a return to full-contact football.
A Career Interrupted: The 2024 Collision
The origin of this prolonged absence traces back to a frightening scene on October 27, 2024. During a Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Owusu-Koramoah attempted to tackle powerhouse running back Derrick Henry. The resulting collision caused a significant compression injury to Owusu-Koramoah’s neck. Despite wearing a Guardian Cap—a protective padded shell designed to mitigate impact—the linebacker was knocked unconscious and had to be carted off the field on a backboard.
While he eventually regained movement in his extremities and was released from the hospital shortly after the incident, the long-term prognosis remained cloudy. At the time of the injury, Owusu-Koramoah was in the midst of a career-defining season, leading the Browns’ defense with 61 tackles, three sacks, and an interception through just eight games.
The Road to Recovery and Uncertainty
Following the 2024 season, the Browns and Owusu-Koramoah held out hope for a 2025 return. However, in May 2025, the team took the first step in this long saga by placing him on the reserve/PUP list, ending his 2025 campaign before it began. Now, exactly one year later, history has repeated itself.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has remained consistently supportive in his public statements, emphasizing that the player’s long-term health and quality of life are the organization’s primary concerns. “Jeremiah’s health is of the utmost importance to us,” Berry stated previously. “While he has made progress, we are following the guidance of world-class medical experts.”
Despite the team’s cautious optimism, reports from league insiders, including Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, suggest that the 26-year-old’s football future is in serious jeopardy. There are growing concerns among medical staff and team officials that the nature of the neck compression may make it unsafe for him to ever return to the high-impact environment of the NFL.
A Significant Loss for the Browns Defense
Losing Owusu-Koramoah for another year is a massive setback for the Cleveland defense. A second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2021, JOK quickly established himself as a “sideline-to-sideline” playmaker. His unique blend of safety-like speed and linebacker strength allowed the Browns to deploy creative defensive schemes. In 2023, he earned Pro Bowl honors after recording a career-high 101 tackles and 20 tackles for loss.
The Browns had shown their commitment to him by signing him to a lucrative three-year, $39 million contract extension in August 2024, just months before the injury occurred. With JOK sidelined, the team has been forced to look elsewhere for production, including drafting UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger in 2025 as a potential long-term successor.
What’s Next for JOK?
For now, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains a part of the Browns organization in a non-playing capacity. He has been a frequent presence at the team’s facility, often sharing optimistic and spiritual messages on social media regarding his journey. In a statement released to fans, he noted, “The body may rest, but the calling never sleeps… I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll continue trusting my medical team.”
As the Browns prepare for the 2026 season, the focus remains on the person rather than the player. While the NFL world hopes for a miraculous comeback, the priority remains ensuring that one of the league’s brightest young stars can lead a healthy life beyond the football field.
