The 2022 season started hot for Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki. The fourth-year player out of BYU, who was a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was in the midst of a career season before an ACL tear in Week 13 against the Houston Texans cut his campaign short.
In 12 appearances, Takitaki recorded a career-high 71 total tackles to go along with four tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and 1.0 sacks. He was quickly emerging as an integral part of the Browns’ defensive scheme before landing on injured reserve.
Just over seven months since the injury, Takitaki is healthy and ready to get back to work. He signed a one-year deal with the Browns in free agency to return to the team and is excited to get things going again.
“I am excited,” Takitaki said on an episode of Best Podcast Available, via the team’s website. “The rehab process has been going well. I like where I am at. Just been rehabbing a ton and just trying to get back to physical form. I like where I am and feel we can make a big comeback. I am ready to help anywhere I can.”
Takitaki may have some new responsibilities in 2023 compared to what was asked of him in 2022. The Browns made a major change to their coaching staff as Jim Schwartz is taking over as the team’s defensive coordinator, replacing Al Woods.
Schwartz is a highly regarded defensive mind and the Browns are hoping he will help get their underperforming unit back on track. Takitaki is looking forward to what could come with playing under Schwartz, as he believes he could be involved even more.
“We have a lot of character guys and talent in the defensive room, and he comes in and sets the tone,” Takitaki said. “That’s one thing I just feel was his leadership presence. Not to tell so much about the scheme, but as a linebacker, I can get some sacks. I am excited about that.” (H/T Brenna White of NFL.com)
We will see what kind of changes are on the horizon starting next week when the Browns open training camp. Takitaki has a few things left to do in his rehab, but based on the progress that he has made, it shouldn’t be too long until we see him back out there with his teammates under the watchful eye of Schwartz defensively.
