League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Browns place DE Alex Wright on IR with ruptured Achilles

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:57 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Browns place DE Alex Wright on IR with ruptured Achilles

Summary

The Cleveland Browns will place defensive end Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve due to a ruptured Achilles suffered during practice on August 20. Wright, who signed a three-year extension worth $33 million last November, was expected to play a key role on the defensive line opposite Jared Verse. The Browns have signed veteran defensive end Derek Barnett to take his spot on the roster. The injury presents challenges for a defense that has been one of the NFL's best in recent years.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports ESPN cleveland.com

Status Watch

•Wright suffered injury during practice on August 20.
•He was placed on injured reserve following the diagnosis.
•Barnett has been signed to replace him on the roster.
•Wright signed a three-year, $33 million extension in November.
•Browns defensive line continues to adapt without key players.

Latest Updates

5:57 PMYahoo Sports — Browns place DE Alex Wright on injured reserve, sign Derek Barnett
5:47 PMESPN — Sources: Browns starting DE Wright out for year
5:43 PMYahoo Sports — Browns put DE Alex Wright on season-ending IR, sign Derek Barnett
5:03 PMYahoo Sports — Browns lose Alex Wright for the season following injury
4:55 PMYahoo Sports — Browns will place DE Alex Wright on IR with Achilles tear
4:38 PMcleveland.com — DE Alex Wright goes on IR with a ruptured Achilles; Browns sign DE Derek Barnett to a 1-year deal - Cleveland.com

What they're saying

"
Defensive end Alex Wright was placed on injured reserve by the Cleveland Browns on Sunday because of a season-ending Achilles tendon injury he suffered during a joint practice against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Wright was carted off after he went down while working in a 1-on-1 drill against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown. Wright — who had a career-high 5 1/2 sacks last season — was being counted on to help offset the loss of superstar Myles Garrett after he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
— Yahoo Sports

"
The Browns are placing starting defensive end Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles, and now will sign veteran defensive end Derek Barnett.
— ESPNby Daniel Oyefusi