Browns place linebacker Eric Barton on injured reserve with unspecified injury

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns have lost their leading tackler for the second time this season.

Eric Barton(notes) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with an unspecified injury, leaving the Browns without their two starting inside linebackers for the final eight games this season. D'Qwell Jackson(notes) suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery last month.

In announcing Barton was done for the year, the Browns did not reveal his injury or a timetable for his return. A sports news website had previously reported that the 32-year-old Barton has a bulging disc in his neck and was contemplating surgery.

Barton, one of 10 former New York Jets brought to Cleveland by coach Eric Mangini, started all eight games for Cleveland. He was injured in the first half of a Nov. 1 loss at Chicago.

"I feel bad for Eric because I know how much passion he has for the game and what it means to him," Mangini said in a statement. "His ability to run the defence and allow those around him to play better will be greatly missed."

Mangini would not comment during the team's bye week about reports Barton had a serious neck injury.

With Barton out, the Browns likely will use a combination of rookies David Veikune(notes) and Kaluka Maiava(notes) on the inside of their 3-4 defensive scheme with Jason Trusnik(notes) and Blake Costanzo(notes) also getting time. Outside linebacker David Bowens(notes) has played some inside linebacker this season.

The Browns, who host Baltimore on Monday night, also signed running back Thomas Brown(notes) to the practice squad and released receiver Darnell Jenkins(notes) from the practice squad.