Martin Emerson injury update: Awful news emerges on Browns CB, per report

Cleveland Browns defensive back Martin Emerson Jr. suffered an Achilles injury in Cleveland’s practice on Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported. Per Garafolo, Emerson will undergo imaging to determine the full extent of the injury but the expectation is it’s a significant tear.

Emerson went down in 7-on-7 in practice and was subsequently carted off the field. The Mississippi State product is heading into his fourth NFL season (all with the Browns).

Team gathered around Martin Emerson as he went down in 7 on 7. Being put on cart and now being carted off. Had to be picked up. pic.twitter.com/msTv07OUyY

— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) July 29, 2025

Over the span of his first three seasons, Emerson Jr. has recorded 202 tackles, four interceptions and 34 pass deflections. He has emerged as a pivotal member of Cleveland’s defense, meaning his loss would be detrimental for head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns. Just last Friday, Stefanski revealed that he was expecting a major bounce back season for the defensive back.

Emerson’s output dropped by a large margin from 2023 to 2024, as he failed to record an interception (totaled four in 2023) and totaled nine less pass deflections. He did however up his tackle total from 59 to 80.

Emerson was heading into final season of rookie contract

“I feel like there’s a lot more in the tank, honestly,” he told The Chronicle-Telegram before Cleveland’s season finale against the Baltimore Ravens last year. “I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential. It’s a year. It was a lot of growing pains, a lot of learning, a lot of lessons. And I know that it’s going to make me a better player in the future and I’m just ready to get back to work. I’m actually heartbroken that the season is coming to an end and it’s ending the way it is.”

He was selected with the No. 68 overall pick in the Third Round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Browns and was heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract this season. Emerson is slated to make $3,606,000 this season. In his first three seasons, he made a combined $4,589,599.

The Pensacola, FL native played three seasons college football at Mississippi State, where he recorded 152 tackles, seven TFL, one interception and 15 pass deflections (2019-2021). Emerson earned Pro Football Focus Third Team All-SEC honors in 2021 and helped the Bulldogs to a 17-20 (10-16) record.

Cleveland opens play in the preseason on Aug. 8 against the Carolina Panthers, although it is now highly unlikely that Emerson will suit up for that one. The Browns’ regular season opener is scheduled for Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.