Browns starting strongside linebacker Jamie Collins will miss the final seven games of the season with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Coach Hue Jackson announced the MCL injury Collins suffered in Sunday's 38-24 loss to the Detroit Lions will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Collins was hurt while intercepting a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford with 10:02 left in the first quarter. The Browns (0-9) capitalized on the turnover with rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer's 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kenny Britt with 8:39 left in the first quarter.
James Burgess will replace Collins in the starting lineup, Jackson said. Burgess started in place of Collins earlier this season when Collins missed three games with a concussion.
Collins had 31 tackles, including a sack, and three passes defensed, including an interception, and a forced fumble in six games this season. He had one tackle and the pick against the Lions (5-4).
Collins, 27, signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Browns in January after they traded a third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots last season for Collins, a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 who won Super Bowl XLIX.
