MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Browns' defense endured a major blow on Saturday night when Pro Bowl linebacker Jamir Miller suffered a torn right Achilles tendon that likely will sideline him for the entire season.

The first Browns player to be selected to the Pro Bowl since the team returned to Cleveland in 1999, Miller suffered the injury early in the first quarter of an exhibition game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Miller was hurt when he landed awkwardly after being blocked into teammate Brant Boyer on Moe Williams' four-yard touchdown run. Miller stayed on the ground for several minutes before being carted off.

Losing Miller is a significant blow for the Browns, who design much of their defense around him.

A nine-year veteran, Miller had 114 tackles, finished second in the AFC with 13 sacks and added one interception. He started 14 games at strong side linebacker and two at defensive end when the Browns lost several players late in the year to injuries.

Miller, who signed with Cleveland as a free agent in 1999, played his first five seasons with Arizona.