Browns rookie LB James-Michael Johnson could miss up to four weeks with an oblique injury. With Chris Gocong (Achilles) done for the year and SLB Scott Fujita suspended for the season's first three games, Johnson was ticketed for heavy snaps, so it's a big blow for the Browns. Cleveland is surely scanning the waiver wire for linebacker depth.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer confirms fourth-round pick James-Michael Johnson is expected to push Kaluka Maiava for the Browns' starting weak-side linebacker job. Maiava's contract is up at the end of the year, so Johnson's long-term upside likely gives him the early edge. At worst, Johnson figures to see heavy snaps as Browns' top backup at all three linebacker positions.

Fourth-round LB James-Michael Johnson has impressed Browns' coaches this offseason. With Scott Fujita suspended for three games due to the bounty scandal, Chris Gocong figures to move to the strong side, which leaves Johnson to compete with Kaluka Maiava for reps on the weak side. The most-likely scenario has "JMJ" working as the top reserve, which will allow him to spell overworked D'Qwell Jackson in the middle, as well.

Fourth-round pick James-Michael Johnson is practicing at both middle and weak-side linebacker at Browns minicamp. There is some feeling that Johnson's best position is WILL 'backer, and his best chance to start would be there over Kaluka Maiava, with Chris Gocong on the strong side and D'Qwell Jackson in the middle. If Johnson doesn't earn a starting job, he'll back up both positions and play on kickoff and punt coverage.

Browns signed fourth-round LB James-Michael Johnson to a four-year contract. Johnson was Nevada's starting middle linebacker last season, but Wolfpack coaches always believed his best position was WILL or SAM. With a big training camp, Johnson could push for a starting job. D'Qwell Jackson and Chris Gocong are locked in as starters, but the weak side is wide open in Cleveland.