What's Next for the Cleveland Browns After Losses of Dansby, Sheard?

The Cleveland Browns have survived with smoke and mirrors through the first 10 games of the season. Those days might be coming to an end unless some key reserves step up in the absence of two more starters.

As the Browns entered their mandatory off day, there were conflicting emotions. On one hand, they have to be excited about the reinstatement of Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon after his 10-game suspension. On the other hand, they might be without linebackers Karlos Dansby and Jabaal Sheard for quite some time.

"They'll both be some time," head coach Mike Pettine told the media on Monday. "They'll both be some time. Dansby was a knee. I don't think his season is over, but I don't think we have the exact window, could be upwards of a month. Sheard, I think we're still waiting on, an injury to his foot. I think that's potentially a little more serious than Dansby. There is a possibility he could be done."

This comes on the heels of losing defensive lineman Phil Taylor to the injured reserve as well. Cleveland has lost both a first- and second-round pick as well as a top-tier free agent from a defense that has been very poor against the run all year long.

As I told you on Wednesday, SportingCharts.com had Sheard third in the NFL among linebackers when it came to quarterback hurries. He and Paul Kruger have been the only consistent contributors at the outside linebacker position.

For Sheard himself, his numbers are not quite what he would like in a contract year, but his film should be good enough to get him a contract in Cleveland or elsewhere. Unfortunately, the man who will be saddled with the task of replacing him has yet to put up any relevant numbers in his career.

Second-year linebacker Barkevious Mingo hasn't just been a disappointment; he's flat-out been a bust thus far. After showing some flashes early in his rookie year, he has faded and, this season, has looked more lost than ever.

It should be mentioned that he is coming off his best game of the year against Houston, but Mingo has been exposed time and time again when given heavy playing time. He has just 17 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed this year.

The bright side of that situation is that Mingo is a high draft pick with a lot of talent. He at least has the potential to partially fill Sheard's shoes. Now, he just has to show it on the field.

Replacing Dansby is a different story. When he left the game against the Texans, it was rookie Chris Kirksey who stepped in.

The inside linebacker position opposite Dansby was a rotation of Craig Robertson and Kirksey because each has weaknesses and deficiencies. Kirksey struggles against the run, and Robertson has a very difficult time in coverage.

Now, they will both be asked to elevate the play in those areas because they will see increased time on the field. This is the NFL, and sometimes, you have to grow up and show out, or the team will throw you out.

Also in the mix at inside linebacker will be Tank Carder, who is a holdover from the former regime and has seen some game action. Carder is not a dynamic linebacker by any means but is steady against the run.

David Richard/Associated Press

If he is used at all, it will be in obvious running situations.

It was just two games ago that the Browns defense dominated the Bengals in Cincinnati and made quarterback Andy Dalton look like a lost puppy in the pocket.

They finally had Taylor healthy again and were up to sixth in the league when it came to opponents' points per game. Those times seem so long ago now.

Now, the Browns have backups starting at key positions in the middle of the defensive line and middle of the linebacker unit as well as at a key pass-rushing position.

That's not a recipe for defensive success.

But like any great chef, Pettine will be asked to make the best of what he has and hopefully prepare a gourmet meal. He better be a wizard in the kitchen, too, because Browns fans are hungry for the playoffs. They have tasted late-season losing for far too long.

All quotes acquired first hand unless otherwise noted