Browns DT Ahtyba Rubin (calf) has been ruled out for Week 8 against San Diego.

The Browns have been susceptible to the run this season, and losing their 330-pound defensive tackle won't help matters. They'll start rookies Billy Winn and John Hughes against the Chargers. It's a great matchup for Ryan Mathews.

Browns DT Ahytba Rubin exited Sunday's Week 7 game with a first-quarter calf injury.

It's an aggravation of Rubin's Week 5 calf injury. Rubin has showed toughness playing through the ailment, but he may need a game or two off to nurse it back to 100 percent. The Browns' run defense will be susceptible without Rubin.

Browns NT Ahtyba Rubin (calf) is listed as questionable for Week 6.

Rubin was injured in Week 5 against the Giants, and it would be a "surprise" if he plays against the Bengals after not practicing all week. The Browns were gashed on the ground after Rubin and MLB D'Qwell Jackson left last week. John Hughes and Ishmaa'ily Kitchen would fill in on the defensive front next to Billy Winn.

Browns NT Ahtyba Rubin left the stadium in a walking boot after Cleveland's Week 5 loss to the Giants.

With Rubin and MLB D'Qwell Jackson (concussion) sidelined in the second half, the Browns wound up getting shredded for 243 yards on 34 carries by Giants offensive players. Rubin's injury is being described as a "lower-leg" ailment, and he did not return. Rubin and Jackson's availabilities for Week 6 against BenJarvus Green-Ellis' Bengals backfield are up in the air.

Browns DT Ahtyba Rubin (pelvis) is fully participating in practice, and believes he'll be ready for Friday's preseason opener.

"I feel 100 percent, so I'm ready to go," Rubin said. Rubin was expected to miss "at least" two weeks of camp, but ended up spending only five days on the active/PUP list. Even if the Browns opt to hold Rubin out Friday, his Week 1 status isn't a concern.

Browns activated DT Ahtyba Rubin (pelvis) from the active/PUP list.

Rubin is coming off June surgery to repair a slight pelvic tear. He'll be eased back in, but IDPers should have no concerns with Week 1 still five weeks away. Rubin has been a tackle machine over the last two seasons, piling up 165 stops and seven sacks.

Browns DT Ahtyba Rubin is recovering from surgery to repair a "slight pelvic tear," and is expected to miss "at least" two weeks of camp.

Rubin underwent the surgery - similar to a sports hernia operation - "about six weeks ago." It's awful news for a Browns defensive line already missing NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral), but Rubin doesn't sound like a candidate to begin the year on the reserve/PUP list. Rubin played at a high level in 2011, notching 83 tackles and five sacks while grading out as Pro Football Focus' 19th best defensive tackle.

Browns signed DT Ahtyba Rubin to a three-year contract extension.

He was previously under contract through 2011 at $600K. Rubin, drafted as a developmental project out of Iowa State in 2008, has quietly progressed into one of the most productive interior linemen in football. At 6-foot-2, 315, he's what Warren Sapp would call a "power pig" in the trenches. The Browns now have three of their defensive line starters locked up through 2014.

The Browns have begun preliminary extension talks with DT Ahtyba Rubin, who is in the last year of his rookie deal.

The Browns are counting on Rubin to be a behemoth block shield along with Phil Taylor on their defensive interior. Rubin is more nose tackle to Taylor's "three technique," according to the team's plans. Entering his age-25 season, Rubin racked up 82 tackles last year -- a massive amount for a lineman. He also had two sacks and an interception, all firsts in Rubin's career.

Browns NT Ahtyba Rubin is the only defensive lineman on Cleveland's roster currently locked into a starting job.

And in the Browns' new 3-4, the immovable but slow-moving Rubin may not be a good fit. He'll rotate out on all passing downs, and provide little penetration potential in running situations. The only other serious candidate for a major role is Marcus Benard. Matt Roth and Robaire Smith are free agents.

According to Browns figures, NT Ahtyba Rubin leads all NFL defensive linemen with 79 tackles this season.

It's quite a feat beating out Bills NT Kyle Williams (75), who has enjoyed an All-Pro caliber season, as well as Giants DE Justin Tuck (74). A running-game specialist early in his career, Rubin has earned full-time status this season. The Browns can't afford to take him off the field.

NT Ahtyba Rubin is leading all Browns defensive linemen as well as linebackers in tackles with 51 this year.

"He's in a class by himself," said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. "There's nobody that plays the way Rubin plays. Nobody in the league plays defensive tackle the way he does." Teammates believe there's not a center in the NFL that can block Rubin one-on-one, and he's the primary reason for the team's improved run defense this year.

Browns coach Eric Mangini confirmed that Ahtyba Rubin will still be the primary nose tackle despite Shaun Rogers' return.

Rubin has earned the right to keep his gig by proving he can do the grunt work needed out of a 3-4 nose tackle. Rogers has superior pass-rushing skills, so he'll see time at end while also supporting Rubin in the middle. Rubin will be leaned on even more this week as Rogers tries to get back in playing shape after missing all of camp.