Kirksey, who led the Browns with six combined tackles in Thursday's preseason opener, is listed as a starting linebacker on the Browns second "unofficial" preseason depth chart, ESPN Cleveland reports.

Kirksey is competing against Craig Robertson for the starting inside linebacker job alongside veteran Karlos Dansby, and appears to have the slight edge at this point. If he hangs on this role throughout the remainder of the preseason, he should continue to see opportunities to rack up tackles, which only bodes well for his IDP potential.

Kirksey had eight tackles (six solo) in Sunday's loss to the Bengals.

Kirksey continues to see opportunities to rack up counting stats on the defensive end, as Karlos Dansby was sidelined with a knee injury for the fourth straight game. He'll likely continue to post modest tackle totals while Dansby is on the shelf.

Kirksey had nine tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's loss to the Bills.

Kirksey, along with Craig Robertson, have been the main beneficiaries of Karlos Dansby's (knee) absence. As long as Dansby remains on the shelf, both should be relatively reliable IDP plays, with the slight edge going to Robertson, who has out-produced Kirksey since Dansby went down.

Kirksey recorded nine tackles (seven solo) and a sack in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars.

Kirksey logged the highest tackle total of his rookie campaign Sunday, and has now recorded 22 combined stops over the last three weeks. He continues to out-produce Craig Robertson -- his main competition for inside linebacker reps.

Kirksey is line to split first-team reps with Craig Robertson, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Kirksey continues a tough battle with veteran Craig Robertson for the starting inside linebacker job alonside Karlos Dansby, but coach Mike Pettine has indicated that he views both of the players as starters. As a result, the player on the field at a given moment will be dependent on the specific personnel package that is required for the current situation. This platoon-like plan doesn't bode well for either players' outlook as an IDP.

The Akron Beacon-Journal expects Christian Kirksey to beat out Craig Robertson for a starting inside linebacker job.

Browns signed third-round ILB Christian Kirksey to a four-year, $3.04 million contract.