BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns' defense took another body shot on Thursday.

Linebacker Paul Kruger was added to the injury report with a back problem. He did not practice, nor was he on the field during the portion of practice open to the media or in the locker room after practice. The team hoped Kruger could do some work Thursday, but he was unable to go.

The Browns will not elaborate on Kruger’s situation until coach Mike Pettine addresses the media on Friday.

Kruger, Barkevious Mingo and Jabaal Sheard have shared time at linebacker, but if Kruger is out for any period of time, Mingo’s role would increase, as would Eric Martin’s. Mingo's play has been, at best, uneven this season.

It’s easy to cry wolf with injuries these days, especially with the reluctance of teams and coaches to give many specifics. But the Browns are staring at a difficult injury situation.

They already are without starting defensive end Phil Taylor (knee), and his backup Billy Winn has not practiced this week because of a quad injury.

Cornerback Joe Haden has not practiced all week due to a hip injury, and his status also is up in the air -- though rookie Justin Gilbert said he thought Haden would be able to play.

If the team does not have Kruger, Taylor and Haden, the Browns would be without two first-round draft picks and their key free-agent signing from a year ago.

And they would be facing a team with as good an offensive trio as there is in the league in QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le’Veon Bell and WR Antonio Brown.

Pettine should discuss Kruger’s situation on Friday, when the official injury report will say if he is probable, questionable, doubtful or out.