The Browns have officially shut down Tashaun Gipson for the season, as ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets that the team has placed the third-year pro on the injured reserve. Cleveland has signed linebacker Scott Solomon from the practice squad to take the open roster spot.
Gipson has missed the Browns’ last three games after suffering a knee injury in late November. The 24-year-old luckily avoided an ACL injury, instead suffering a Grade 3 MCL injury. The team was initially optimistic that he’d be able to return this season, but the organization apparently decided it was better to be cautious.
Despite missing three games, Gipson still leads the NFC with six interceptions, topping last year’s career-high of five. Pro Football Focus’ advanced statistics (subscription required) weren’t favorable of Gipson during his first two years, but he ranks as the league’s sixth-best safety in 2014. Undrafted out of Wyoming in 2012, Gipson has made 37 appearances during his three years in the league.
Solomon, a seventh-round pick in 2012, has spent time with the Titans, Jets and Buccaneers. In 20 career games, he’s compiled 12 tackles and a sack.