Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey is expected to miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn pectoral tendon.
The team announced the surgery on Wednesday and termed it “successful.”
The Browns placed him on injured reserve on Sept. 21 after he sustained the injury during Cleveland’s 23-3 win against the New York Jets in Week 2.
Kirksey, 27, is in his sixth season with the Browns. A hamstring injury limited him to seven games in 2018. He finished this season with 11 tackles.
A team captain, Kirksey has remained with the team to mentor younger players.
“Right now, when I am not on the field, I want to just be that voice still and encourage my teammates,” Kirksey told reporters last week. “I do not want to check out and worry about just myself. I still have to worry about my brothers.”
The Browns (2-2) will meet the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) on Monday night.