Big problem for Cleveland Browns
After losing three more offensive linemen to injury in the preseason defeat to the Vikings, the Cleveland Browns now have a full-blown issue at the position.
What was once considered a strength has become a vulnerability for the Cleveland Browns.
With Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills, and Dawand Jones all returning from knee injuries this summer, determining who would start on either side of the offensive line has been one of the most hotly debated topics. The common perception is that having too many alternatives for bookending the offensive line is a desirable thing to have.
That remains true after two weeks of preseason. However, Wills and Conklin have yet to practice. Jones is still working to get his feet back under him after MCL surgery.
Now, as injuries have decimated Cleveland’s offensive line depth, particularly in the offensive tackle room, the scenario has shifted from having too many cooks to dire in an instant.
Three backup tackle alternatives exited the Browns’ Week 2 preseason game against the Vikings due to injury. James Hudson III, who had been the first man up at left tackle throughout training camp while Wills was still rehabilitating, started the game at right tackle but left in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He was quite quickly ruled out.
Next up came Germain Ifedi, who started the game at left tackle. In the third quarter, he was forced to sit out due to a hand injury. After being declared unlikely to return, he never returned to the field. His injury appears to be the least serious of the three injured tackles on Saturday.
The epidemic then continued with Hakeem Adeniji, who was injured while attempting to tackle a Vikings defensive back after returning an interception to the Browns’ eight-eight yard line. It was the most severe type of non-contact knee injury. He was seen on crutches after the game, wearing a brace.
Just 16 days since #Browns RB D'Onta Foreman had to be airlifted to a hospital in Roanoke, Va. after suffering a neck injury he was scoring a touchdown in a preseason game. This one meant a lot more given the perspective he's now gained: https://t.co/7x2VgtpsTT
— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) August 18, 2024
A position that once appeared to be a source of strength is now a full-fledged crisis as the preseason nears its end. It would help if either Conklin or Wills could return to action this week. Throughout the offseason, both have made occasional practice field visits as spectators. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, on the other hand, has provided only hazy updates on the duo. When asked if Wills would practice soon, Stefanski responded with a quick “we’ll see” after the game.
With little certainty about when reinforcements will arrive, the Browns may be compelled to take matters into their own hands. Last week, after backup center Luke Wypler suffered an ankle fracture, Cleveland’s vice president of football operations quickly made a trade with Seattle to bring Nick Harris back. Berry may be compelled to make a similar move following Saturday’s game.
Whether or not such a move occurs will reveal more about Wills’ and possibly Conklin’s current situation than Stefanski has been ready to discuss. Perhaps Jones, despite his background as a right tackle, can try his hand on the left side. However, Conklin would most certainly have to return sooner rather than later.
Either way, the clock is ticking. Week 1 is just three weeks away, and the Browns still have more questions than answers about their tackle positions.
