Scott Fujita injury: Browns linebacker could be finished for season after hurting neck

Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita has suffered a significant neck injury that could potentially end his lengthy career in the NFL, as ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports. The veteran missed Cleveland's win over the Cincinnati Bengals last week with an apparent shoulder injury, but now it appears the problem is actually affecting his neck.

In the Browns' Week 5 loss to the New York Giants, Fujita left the game and never returned, but the initial prognosis wasn't nearly this dire at that time. Subsequent tests seem to have revealed a more substantial problem relating to his neck, though, which has Browns management concerned that he'll be forced to retire.

An 11-year veteran of the NFL, Fujita has also spent time during his career with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. After being targeting as part of the Saints' bounty program scandal, Fujita was suspended for one game by commissioner Roger Goodell, but he's still awaiting the results of his appeal.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.