Report: Hurt Browns LB Jackson could miss as few as 4 weeks

Browns inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who sustained his second chest muscle injury in 10 months, could return to the field in four to eight weeks, The Cleveland Plain Dealerreported Wednesday, citing a league source.

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Jackson was in the midst of a comeback after missing the Browns' final 10 games last season with a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery. He injured his other chest muscle during practice Tuesday, team spokesman Neal Gulkis said.

The Browns aren't expected to officially release any results or provide more information about Jackson until Thursday, when they also have two practices. Jackson plans to seek a second opinion from his New York-based surgeon, Dr. Frank Cordasco, according to The Plain Dealer.

Jackson's agent, Brian Mackler, said he was waiting to hear from doctors and had no update.

Browns coach Eric Mangini gave his players a day off from practice Wednesday, but they reported for meetings, treatment and workouts in preparation for Saturday's preseason opener in Green Bay against the Packers.

Jackson, one of the Browns' most well-liked and respected players, left the field about halfway through the Browns' second workout Tuesday. He dejectedly walked toward the locker room and favored his right side as he tried to open a rear door to the team's facility.

Jackson returned to the field without his pads and with a towel draped around his neck to watch the final 30 minutes of practice. Jackson was consoled by teammates and coaches as he explained his latest injury.

Jackson tore his right pectoral muscle during an Oct. 18 game when Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller landed on him. Jackson was placed on injured reserve two days later and missed the last 10 games of his fourth NFL season.

Losing Jackson, a co-captain last season, would be a tough blow for the talent-thin Browns. However, the team has more depth at linebacker after signing free agent Scott Fujita and acquiring Chris Gocong in a trade. They have five other linebackers with experience as NFL starters.

Jackson, who led the league with 188 tackles in 2008, had a tumultuous offseason. He had threatened to hold out of camp after the Browns failed to give him a long-term contract, signing him to a one-year, $1.76 million tender for this season. He skipped offseason practices and minicamps, but he came home from a goodwill trip to Africa with a new perspective on his situation and signed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.