Hue Jackson: 'I Knew Nothing' of Ex-Browns Kicker Zane Gonzalez's Groin Injury

It likely would have been helpful for the Cleveland Browns if head coach Hue Jackson knew kicker Zane Gonzalez was injured before sending him on the field to miss two field goals and two extra points in Sunday's three-point loss to the New Orleans Saints, but he apparently had no idea. 

"I knew nothing about an injury whatsoever so that was new to me," Jackson said on Monday, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The comment comes after Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Gonzalez was kicking with a groin injury and needed an MRI. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns told Gonzalez they were releasing him following his poor performance.

Florio explained: "If Gonzalez was injured, he can't be cut without an injury settlement or placement on injured reserve. And if the Browns insist that Gonzalez was healthy, the stage could be set for an injury grievance."

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported the Browns signed kicker Greg Joseph to replace Gonzalez.

Joseph is yet to attempt a regular-season field goal in the NFL and spent the offseason on the Miami Dolphins. He connected on 69.5 percent of his field goals and 97.1 percent of his extra points during four collegiate seasons with Florida Atlantic.

As for Gonzalez, the injury news and getting cut come after a disastrous day on Sunday. The eight points he left on the field were clearly critical in a 21-18 loss, and his final miss was particularly cruel for Browns fans after Tyrod Taylor drove the team into field-goal range on a possession that started with 21 seconds remaining.

What's more, Gonzalez's final missed extra point would have given Cleveland a 19-18 lead with one minute and 16 seconds remaining.

Still, the Browns surely would have altered their strategy throughout the game had Jackson been aware his kicker was nursing an injury.