44 Sione Takitaki LB

Takitaki played 15 games in 2019 and recorded 21 tackles while playing mostly on special teams.

The Browns expended a 2019 third-round pick on Takitaki, who didn't see much playing time while sitting behind Joe Schobert on the depth chart. That investment was made by the previous administration, so new head coach Kevin Stefanski does not have an attachment to Takitaki. The Browns are expected to lock up Schobert and prevent him from becoming a free agent, so Takitaki is looking at a depth spot at linebacker and another year on special teams in 2020.

Takitaki (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki missed Sunday's season opener with a hamstring issue after being limited in practice all week. Now seemingly healthy, the 24-year-old will likely resume his backup position behind Joe Schobert for Monday's clash against the Jets.

Takitaki (hamstring) is inactive Week 1 against Tennessee.

Takitaki was listed as a limited participant in practice all week, but the backup linebacker and presumed special teamer will end up taking a seat for the opener. As expected, Joe Schobert will start at middle linebacker Week 1.

Takitaki (hamstring) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Takitaki has been limited since returning to practice earlier this week, but it remains to be seen whether or not he has put in enough work to play in Week 1. Expect a final update on Takitaki's status to come Sunday.

Takitaki (hamstring) participated in Wednesady's practice in a limited fashion, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki has been back at practice for a few days now, and he still carries an injury tag on Cleveland's first official injury report. The rookie third-round pick still has two practices to shake the hamstring injury so he can make his NFL debut Sunday versus the Titans. If he is active for that game, expect him to play sparingly on defense behind Joe Schobert while sticking mainly to special teams.

Takitaki (hamstring) returned to the practice field Monday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.

Takitaki, a 2019 third-round draft pick from BYU, has been out since mid-August. There's been a lot of buzz about the Browns' defense, particularly its front line, a unit that could create sack or interception opportunities for a linebacker. In the one preseason game he played, Takitaki was used on both defense and special teams. He currently sits second on the depth chart.

Takitaki did not practice Wednesday and is not expected to play during Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki is trending toward missing his second consecutive preseason tilt. The rookie third-round pick appears primed to play a depth role in Cleveland's linebacker corps, and any time missed due to injury could impede his path to snaps. He'll work to get fully healthy and resume practicing as soon as possible.

The Browns selected Takitaki in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 80th overall.

Takitaki isn't the fastest linebacker, posting a 4.63 40-yard dash at the Combine, but he's a thumper capable of attacking the gaps vertically when needed. It's possible Takitaki might be best suited as a special teams ace, but the Browns evidently don't feel that way after investing a third-round pick into the BYU product. It'd be surprising to see the inside linebacker push out Joe Schobert or Christian Kirksey when it comes to a starting position, so consider this selection to improve the team's admittedly unheralded linebacker depth.