As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, the team has activated several key players who are emerging from injury concerns. Among those cleared for action are Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson, all having passed their recent physical examinations, a positive sign for a team looking to start strong this season.
O-Line Reinforcements
The return of offensive tackle Jack Conklin is particularly encouraging. Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing him to miss significant playing time, having already been sidelined for 29 regular season games over the past three seasons. This summer marks Conklin's first practice session with the team, and his presence will undoubtedly bolster the offensive line. During Conklin's absence, Dawand Jones stepped in, only to suffer a season-ending injury himself, leaving the Browns scrambling to cover the position.
Jedrick Wills Jr. also returns to the fold after undergoing knee surgery that caused him to miss the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Filling in for Wills in the meantime were Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson, but having Wills back will restore stability and experience to the left tackle spot.
Secondary Stability
In the secondary, Greg Newsome II is back in action after dealing with a hamstring injury that caused him to miss three regular season games last year. However, the Browns will still be without Denzel Ward, who remains in the concussion protocol.
D'Anthony Bell, who had two interceptions last season, also returns, providing much-needed depth in the defensive backfield. The Browns' defensive unit showed flashes of potential last season, and with these key players returning, they aim to solidify their defensive prowess.
Fresh Faces and New Additions
The Browns also made notable moves during the offseason, including signing Dalvin Tomlinson from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency. Tomlinson brings valuable experience and skill to the defensive line, which will be critical as the team looks to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
On a less positive note, Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season. Chubb's absence is a significant blow to the Browns' running game, and the team will need to find ways to compensate for his production on the ground.
Roster Adjustments
As the final roster cut deadline looms, the Browns must trim their active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. They have already announced their first series of roster cuts, reducing their roster down to 76 players. Among those currently on the roster, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
As the Browns fine-tune their lineup and re-integrate players coming off injuries, the team faces the challenge of balancing optimism with caution. The return of key players like Conklin, Wills, and Newsome provides a significant boost, but the absence of others like Chubb and the uncertainty regarding Ward and Hall Jr. present ongoing challenges.
Nonetheless, the team’s ability to adapt and the infusion of new talent will be critical as the Browns look to make an impact in a competitive season. The coaching staff and medical team have been working diligently to ensure that the returning players are ready to contribute effectively, setting the stage for what could be a compelling and challenging campaign.