Browns DE Alex Wright Out for Season with Ruptured Achilles
PUBLISHED Aug 23, 2026, 4:47 PM ET
Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright will miss the 2026 season after suffering a ruptured Achilles during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills in Berea, Ohio, on Aug. 20. Wright was injured during a one-on-one drill against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown and was carted from the field. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Cleveland would place Wright on season-ending injured reserve. The Browns confirmed the transaction Sunday, Aug. 23, and signed veteran defensive end Derek Barnett. Wright, a 2022 third-round pick, recorded career highs of 5.5 sacks, 37 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 14 games last season. He signed a three-year, $33 million extension in November. Cleveland had already been seeking pass-rush help after trading Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Barnett spent three seasons with Houston and recorded five sacks in 2025 for Houston. Isaiah McGuire and Mike Hall Jr. are additional starting candidates.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
- 7
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 4
- Neutral:
- 2
- Distribution:
- Left 57%, Center 29%, Right 14%
Left: Coverage emphasizes roster vulnerability following Cleveland’s major defensive personnel changes. Center: Coverage emphasizes confirmed injury, transaction, statistics, timing, and immediate roster consequences. Right: Coverage emphasizes financial investment, defensive disruption, replacement signing, and organizational urgency.
Aug. 23, 2026, 1:11 p.m. ET: Browns officially IR-listed Wright. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-de-derek-barnett
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Browns lose DE Wright (Achilles) for season, add Barnett
ESPN Associated Press Washington Post Yahoo NewsFrom Center
Browns DE Alex Wright Out for Season with Ruptured Achilles
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