Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Kendrick Green has suffered another setback in his NFL career after the Cleveland Browns placed him on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
Green's 2026 season is now over, unless he is able to reach an injury settlement with Cleveland and continue his career elsewhere. For a player who has already experienced plenty of ups and downs since entering the league, it is another unfortunate chapter.
The Steelers selected Green in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the hope that he could become the heir to one of the greatest centers in franchise history, Maurkice Pouncey , even donning the same number 53. He immediately stepped into the starting lineup as a rookie, starting 15 games at center and gaining valuable experience in one of the most demanding positions on the offensive line.
Green's rookie season showed why Pittsburgh had invested in him, but his development did not progress as the organization had hoped as he spent his sophomore season on the active roster but inactive in every game. The Steelers eventually moved him from center to guard and even had a little buzz about moving him to FB, but ultimately, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent part of the starting lineup and the Steelers moved on.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes a snap from center Kendrick Green, Aug. 21, 2021. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
After spending two seasons in Pittsburgh, Green was traded to the Houston Texans in 2023. The move gave him a fresh opportunity, but injuries once again became an issue. He appeared in only three games for Houston before suffering a knee injury that ended his season.
Green later continued his career with the Buffalo Bills before landing with Cleveland, attempting to use his versatility and experience to remain an NFL roster option. Now, another injury has interrupted that opportunity.
The Browns have not disclosed the nature or severity of Green's injury, leaving his timetable for a potential return or even his injury in general unclear. His placement on injured reserve also creates uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization.
Green is still only 27 years old and has experience at both center and guard, giving him a valuable skill set if he is able to get healthy. His ability to play multiple interior positions could continue to make him an option for teams looking for experienced offensive line depth.
The post Browns Place Ex-Steelers OL on IR, Potentially Ending 2026 Season appeared first on Steelers Now .
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