Martin Emerson Jr. Injury News & Updates

The Browns placed Emerson (Achilles) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Emerson will miss the entire 2025 season after tearing his left Achilles during Tuesday's practice. Greg Newsome is expected to shift to outside corner opposite Denzel Ward in Emerson's absence. Emerson played in all 17 regular-season games for the Browns in 2024 and tallied 80 tackles (62 solo), five pass defenses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Emerson (Achilles) was ruled out for the season Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

After leaving practice on a cart Tuesday following a non-contact injury, Emerson will be out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday. The 24-year-old appeared in all 17 games last season, starting 15, tallying 80 tackles. Greg Newsome, who normally plays nickel corner, is now expected to take Emerson's spot in base defense alongside Denzel Ward.

The Browns noted that Emerson suffered a left Achilles injury during practice Tuesday and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the issue, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Meanwhile, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network also relays that the cornerback is set to undergo imaging to determine the full extent of his injury but the expectation is that it's a significant Achilles tear for Emerson, who logged 80 tackles in 2024.

Emerson (ankle) participated during OTAs on Tuesday, Kennedy Rodriguez of the Browns' official site reports.

Emerson left Cleveland's last game of the 2024 campaign early with an ankle injury, but it doesn't seem to have carried over into the offseason. He's now entering the final year of his rookie deal after recording a career-high 80 tackles last season. He figures to start alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome in 2025.

Emerson (ankle) finished the 2024 season with 80 tackles (62 solo), five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 17 games with Cleveland.

Emerson started a career-high 15 games during the 2024 campaign, and the 2022 third-round pick has missed just one game since entering the league. His 80 tackles marked a new career best, but his pass deflections number of five was way down from previous seasons of 14 and 15 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Emerson is scheduled to head into the final year of his rookie contract and could be a candidate for an extension this offseason. He injured his ankle in the Week 18 season finale, and the extent of the issue isn't yet publicly known.

Emerson (ankle) is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Ravens.

Emerson injured his ankle in the third quarter, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to return for the fourth. With Denzel Ward (shoulder) inactive and Mike Ford (forearm) also questionable to return, the Browns' defense will rely on Cameron Mitchell, Rodney McLeod and Chigozie Anusiem to serve as the corners.

Emerson (concussion/back) is active for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Emerson entered concussion protocols following the Browns' Week 15 loss to the Chiefs, and he was also limited in practice this past week due to a back injury. He's managed to clear the league's five-step concussion protocols and has overcome his back issue, and he will suit up in Sunday's AFC North clash. Emerson has registered 23 tackles (19 solo) in the Bengals' five games since the Week 10 bye.

Emerson, who was previously deemed questionable for Sunday's Week 16 game against Cincinnati due to a concussion, also has a back issue, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Emerson suffered a concussion last Sunday versus the Chiefs, and he hasn't yet cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. His status for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals is now further complicated by a back issue. If Emerson ends up not being able to play against Cincinnati, Mike Ford would like start at cornerback.

Emerson (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's outing against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Emerson is officially questionable for Cleveland's Week 16 matchup in Cincinnati. The third-year cornerback is in the concussion protocol after leaving last weekend's matchup against Kansas City. If he can't get cleared in time, backup Mike Ford will likely get the start if not more playing time versus the Bengals.

Emerson (concussion) is not in line to practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Emerson is officially in the concussion protocol after having been forced out of Cleveland's loss to the Chiefs due to what was initially called a head injury. If he's unable to gain full clearance in time for Sunday's contest against the Bengals, backup Mike Ford will face an opportunity to handle an expanded role on defense.

Emerson (head) has been downgraded to out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

The cornerback was evaluated for a head injury after leaving the field. Emerson made one tackle before exiting. Mike Ford is his backup.

Emerson is being examined for a possible head injury after exiting Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs, Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The cornerback recorded one tackle before leaving the contest. Emerson has 67 tackles (53 solo), five passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on the year. Mike Ford is his backup.

Emerson (ribs) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Emerson sustained a rib injury in the Browns' Week 6 loss to the Eagles, but Wednesday's full practice suggests he's already moved past the issue. Expect the third-year pro out of Mississippi State to continue starting alongside Denzel Ward (hamstring) and Greg Newsome as part of the Browns' top cornerback trio ahead of Cleveland's Week 7 matchup against the Bengals.

Emerson suffered a rib injury during Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Emerson has struggled this season and will now have an injury to overcome ahead of Week 7's matchup with the Bengals. Details of the severity of the injury and his likeliness to suit up next week will likely come in the days ahead.

Emerson acknowledged to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he has not played well to start the 2024 season. "Self-evaluation, I'm not playing the ball that I want to play right now," Emerson said.

Emerson emerged as a capable cornerback in 2023 and allowed one touchdown on 73 targets, per Pro Football Focus, but progress has not been linear in 2024. He's given up three touchdowns and allowed 16 catches on 25 targets through five games. That included a 41-yard touchdown against the Commanders last week just before halftime to give Washington a commanding 24-3 lead. Things will not get easier in Week 6 for Emerson, who will be tasked with guarding Eagles wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (concussion), both of whom logged full practices Wednesday and are expected to play following a bye week.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday that Emerson has cleared concussion protocol, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

The 24-year-old was diagnosed with a concussion after the Browns' Week 4 loss to the Raiders, but it now appears he's already moved past the issue. Emerson has accumulated 24 total tackles and two passes defended across Cleveland's first four contests, and he's expected to continue locking down opposing wide receivers now that he's past his concussion.

Emerson is in concussion protocol following Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Raiders, per coach Kevin Stefanski, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

Emerson was evaluated for a head injury after the game, and the tests revealed a concussion. He will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to play against the Commanders in Week 5. Mike Ford and Cameron Mitchell are options to start opposite Denzel Ward if Emerson misses time, or nickel cornerback Greg Newsome could shift outside.

Emerson is getting evaluated for a concussion following Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Raiders, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The starting cornerback made six tackles (five solo) in Sunday's game. Emerson has 24 stops (16 solo) and two passes defensed through four games this season. Mike Ford, Cameron Mitchell and Tony Brown are Cleveland's available backup corners.

Emerson (ankle) was not listed on the Browns' injury report Wednesday.

Emerson tweaked his ankle in Sunday's 33-17 loss to the Cowboys, but the issue appears to be minor as he was a full practice participant Wednesday. The 2022 third-round pick finished Sunday's game with eight tackles (five solo) and one pass defended.

Emerson (ankle) briefly left Sunday's 33-17 loss to the Cowboys, but according to head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to be OK, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Emerson had eight tackles (five solo) in the loss, including a pass defended. The third-year pro's status will still likely be worth monitoring over the week ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Jaguars.

Emerson had two tackles and played 41 of 46 snaps in last Saturday's 45-14 wild-card playoff loss to the Texans.

Emerson and the Browns' defense had a rough final game. He was most notable for an attempted arm tackle of Brevin Jordan, who cut inside and raced to the end zone for a 76-yard catch-and-run touchdown. The second-year cornerback led the Browns with four interceptions and finished fourth with 59 tackles during the regular season.

Emerson recorded three tackles (three solo) and two passes defensed in Thursday's 37-20 win versus the Jets.

Thursday's was the second game in the last four weeks and the third game this season in which Emerson recorded multiple pass breakups. In Week 18, he'll have a tough test against Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder), Tee Higgins and the Bengals.

Emerson (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday and does not have an injury designation for Thursday's clash against the Jets, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Emerson departed from Sunday's Week 16 game against Houston early and logged a limited practice session both Monday and Tuesday, but he was able to return to full participation Wednesday. That clears the way for him to suit up versus New York on Thursday Night Football. Emerson has been a key contributor in Cleveland's secondary this season, as he's tied for fifth in the NFL with four interceptions and tied for 13th with 12 passes defensed.

Emerson (ankle) was a limited participant on Monday's practice estimate, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Emerson logged three solo tackles and one pass deflection in Sunday's 36-22 win over the Texans. He saw the field for 26 defensive snaps (53 percent) and three on special teams (14 percent) before exiting with a shin injury. His limited participation Monday does not shed a lot of light on his status for Thursday's game versus the Jets, so his status will need to be monitored as the week progresses.

Emerson (shin) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Texans, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Cabot notes that Emerson was seen grabbing his right leg before leaving the game in the final minute of the second quarter. He had three tackles before exiting Sunday's contest. Cameron Mitchell will see more work as the backup cornerback behind Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome.

Emerson recorded four tackles, two interceptions and three passes defensed in Sunday's 31-27 win over Jacksonville in Week 14.

No Denzel Ward (shoulder), no problem. Emerson and Greg Newsome (one interception) each contributed to a defensive effort that was much better than the score might indicate -- Jacksonville scored 14 points after turnovers in Cleveland's end of the field. Emerson is up to a team-leading four picks and 10 passes defensed. He sits fourth on the team with 47 tackles.

Emerson logged seven total tackles (three solo) and one pass deflection in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Rams.

Emerson's seven stops were enough to tie Juan Thornhill for Cleveland's leading tackler in Week 13. The second-year cornerback out of Mississippi State has played a vital role in the Browns' secondary this season, but the team was clearly hurting without Denzel Ward (shoulder), as they gave up their second-highest passing yards total on the year (279 yards). Emerson has recorded 43 total tackles, seven pass deflections and two interceptions through 12 games, and he'll look to help shut down the Jaguars' offense in Week 14.

Emerson compiled six tackles (five solo), a pass deflection and an interception during Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Seahawks.

Emerson had one of his most productive outings this season and managed to snag an interception, his second both of the season and career. The 2022 third-round pick will now look to help slow down Arizona's passing attack during next week's matchup.

Emerson had six tackles, an interception and two passes defensed in Sunday's 19-17 win over San Francisco in Week 6.

Emerson the third quarter pick set up a short field for the offense, but it couldn't capitalize. His first NFL pick was part of an impressive defensive effort, as the Browns limited the 49ers to season lows in points and yards (215). Emerson has played all 22 games since being drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft.

Emerson had four tackles and two passes defensed in a 28-14 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 18.

The Browns drafted a good one when they selected Emerson in the third round of the 2022 draft. The rookie appeared in all 17 games, tied for the lead among team cornerbacks with 15 passes defensed and graded out as the best in coverage, per Pro Football Focus. He'll resume his role in the rotation next season.

Emerson will draw a start at cornerback against the Bills, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Emerson gets the nod with Greg Newsome (concussion) inactive. The former has had a steady role this season, recording 38 tackles, a sack and seven passes defensed in nine games. He'll work to help contain the dangerous Buffalo offense Sunday.

Emerson may see fewer snaps Sunday against the Dolphins, as Denzel Ward expected to return, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Emerson stepped up the last three games while Ward was sidelined with a concussion. He had four pass breakups while playing nearly all the snaps over the three weeks, including a nine-tackle game in perhaps a season-saving win over the Bengals in Week 8. Emerson impressed coaches during the summer, earning a spot in the cornerback rotation, and should should not see a dramatic decrease in playing time.

Emerson collected nine tackles (six solo) and two passes defended in Monday's 32-13 win against the Browns.

The 22-year-old logged a season high in tackles as starting cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) missed his third-straight game Monday. Emerson also finished with a team-high two passes defended in this contest. The rookie third-round pick has totaled 19 tackles (16 solo), one sack and four passes defended while playing nearly every defensive snap since Week 6; though, should Ward return following Cleveland's bye week, Emerson's playing time could take a step back against Miami on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Emerson had six tackles and two passes defensed in Sunday's 38-15 loss to the Patriots in Week 6.

Emerson started in place of Denzel Ward (concussion) and played 66 of 70 snaps. He showed skills during training camp, and the Browns are confident in the rookie, who had a big fourth-down pass breakup in Week 5 that gave Cleveland a chance to pull out a victory in a loss to the Chargers.

Emerson filled in after Denzel Ward (concussion) left Week 5's 30-28 loss to the Chargers.

Emerson was on the field for 30 snaps, recording three tackles and a huge fourth-down pass breakup. That gave the Browns their final chance, but Cade York missed 54-yard field-goal attempt with seconds remaining. If Ward is unable to play Week 6 against New England, Emerson is the likely starter with either Greedy Williams (hamstring) or A.J. Green stepping in as the third cornerback in nickel packages.

Emerson had three solo tackles and an interception return for a touchdown in Friday's win over Jacksonville in preseason action.

Emerson was beat on the Jaguars' first play, when Trevor Lawrence connected with Zay Jones for a 32-yard completion, but the rookie third-round pick made up for it in the second quarter when he won a 50-50 battle with Jeff Cotton, taking the ball out of the receiver's clutches for a 74-yard pick six. It was a big night for Cleveland draft picks, as Emerson and running back Jerome Ford accounted for all three touchdowns in a 24-13 win. Emerson has practiced with the ones in camp, but that's due to Denzel Ward (foot) being on the active/PUP list. Ward's expected to return before the start of the regular season, and Emerson will serve a depth role in a secondary that should be one of the best in the NFL.

Emerson was given reps at left cornerback with the first-team defense Saturday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

The Browns are down a couple of cornerbacks to start camp -- Denzel Ward (foot) and Greedy Williams (undisclosed) -- but it is notable that Emerson, the team's third-round pick in 2022, was on the field with the starting defense.

The Browns selected Emerson in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 68th overall.

Emerson (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) is a big corner out of Mississippi State who figures to focus on the boundary corner position. This selection might not be a good sign for former second-round pick Greedy Williams -- also a 6-foot-2 boundary corner for the Browns -- because neither Emerson nor Williams will steal reps from Denzel Ward or Greg Newsome at corner.