BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard has been taken to a hospital after collapsing in the locker room.

Benard was sitting in a chair when he suddenly fell to the carpeted floor. At first, some of his teammates, who were getting dressed for practice, thought he may have been joking before linebacker Matt Roth yelled for a trainer. Benard’s eyes were open as three members of Cleveland’s training staff checked on him.

A Browns spokesman said Benard is stable and alert, but would not elaborate. The 25-year-old was sitting up when he was wheeled out of the team’s facility on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance. He collapsed just as the 45-minute interview period was ending.

Benard leads the Browns with 4 1/2 sacks this season. He made Cleveland’s roster last season as an undrafted free agent from Jackson State. He has started two games this season for the Browns (3-5), who host the Jets (6-2) on Sunday.