Dawand

Jones

KT Leveston is the next man up at tackle. Jones has hit season-ending IR in three consecutive years since being drafted in the fourth round. He’ll enter the final year of his rookie deal as someone the Browns will likely want to do better than, though the disastrous Deshaun Watson contract may keep them from doing so.

According to Fowler, Jones’ surgery was “to address a lingering issue he played through last year.” The second-year pro appeared in nine games in 2024 while making eight starts, earning a PFF blocking grade of 46.4. For his career, Jones has allowed just seven sacks and 43 quarterback pressures on 783 pass-blocking snaps. Assuming all goes well, Jones is expected to begin running soon and should be ready in time for training camp.

Jones has started every game for the Browns this season and played his last three games at left tackle. In just his second season, Jones has allowed four sacks on 22 pressures while playing on 345 pass-blocking snaps. While his 2024 season is now over, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Jones is expected to make a full recovery to be ready in time for 2025.

Jones is recovering from a torn MCL that ended his 2023 campaign but has been going through team drills in OTAs. Jones was one of three Browns tackles who suffered significant injuries last season, but all three are expected to be healthy around the start of the season. Jones started nine of the 11 games he appeared in last season, playing exclusively at right tackle. He earned a PFF blocking grade of 64.7 last season and allowed three sacks on 21 pressures.

Jones was diagnosed with a torn MCL that will require surgery and end his 2023 season. It’s a big loss for a Cleveland offensive line graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s 12th best pass-blocking unit. Jones was PFF’s 40th best pass-blocking offensive lineman this season. He should be ready for the start of the 2024 season.

Per head coach Kevin Stefanski, Jones tweaked his knee in practice on Friday, leading to the questionable tag. Jones dealt with a knee issue earlier this season, so it looks like that same injury flared up during the final practice of the week. Jones appears to be a true game-time call for Week 14 against the Jags.

Jones returned to practice on Thursday and looks like a good bet to play this week. Right guard Wyatt Teller also missed practice on Wednesday before returning to action the following day. Though getting both on the field for Week 11 would still leave the Browns’ line at less than full strength, it would be a big win for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is slated to make his second start of the season.

Jones didn’t play in Week 10’s matchup against the Ravens but appears to have an outside chance of playing in Week 11 against the Steelers. We’ll see how things shape up come Friday, but his return would be a welcomed one for the Browns and rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is expected to start with Deshaun Watson (shoulder) now out for the season.

Offensive tackle Dawand Jones was spotted on a bike at practice, suggesting he was also a DNP. Teller suffered his calf injury in Week 10 and was unable to return. The Browns are likely down multiple starting offensive linemen for Week 11. That will only compound the issue of Dorian Thompson-Robinson being thrust into the starting lineup once again.

Jones was ruled out shortly after being announced as a DNP for Friday’s practice. That means the Browns will start two backup tackles against the Ravens’ defense. That’s not great news for Deshaun Watson and company.