In 1989, he suffered a right knee injury early in training camp, missing all of the preseason and the season opener. He still was able to become a starter at inside linebacker, registering 63 tackles (fifth on the team), 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 6 passes defensed. He missed 3 games with an ankle injury he suffered in the sixth game against the Buffalo Bills. He had 10 tackles and 2 interceptions in the season finale against the New England Patriots.