The Browns believe WLB Kaluka Maiava still has developmental upside as a fourth-year player. Maiava is an established presence on special teams, but is being thrust into a prominent early-season role with Scott Fujita suspended the first three games. "He's very effective in scrimmage downs," coach Pat Shurmur said. "We anticipate that he'll be one year better in our scheme and better as a player."

Browns starting WLB Kaluka Maiava plans to play through a broken left hand in the season finale. Maiava broke a bone connected to his index finger against the Ravens last week. He'll play with a cast against the Steelers Sunday.

Browns WLB Kaluka Maiava (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The Browns' No. 6 defense will already be without strong-side linebacker Scott Fujita (hand). If Maiava can't go, Titus Brown would be forced to fill in. Chris Gocong has switched sides to replace Fujita.

Kaluka Maiava is expected to start at weakside linebacker against the Seahawks with Scott Fujita (concussion) in doubt for Week 7. Chris Gocong will slide over to strongside linebacker. A special teamer to date, Maiava is just 13 months removed from ACL surgery. Fujita is one of Cleveland's premier defenders, so this figures to be a substantial dropoff.

Browns LB/ST Kaluka Maiava says he's "90 percent" recovered from ACL surgery early last October. Maiava also tore his meniscus, so the recovery has taken longer than normal. "If I needed to go next week, I could go," said Maiava. "... I'm just being really careful." The 2009 fourth-rounder should return as a special teamer and reserve linebacker.