Ethan

Pocic

The longtime Browns standout heads to a wide-open situation for a perennial contender following the departure of Tyler Linderbaum this offseason. Pocic would appear to have the inside track to the starting center job considering his veteran status, although he will need to prove his health after tearing his Achilles in December of 2025. His new deal includes a $3 million base valuation, after which he can earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives.

The Browns confirmed the worst on Monday after Pocic left Sunday’s game with what was initially diagnosed as a calf injury. A replay of the injury, however, suggested a potential tear for Pocic, who will now spend the remainder of this season and all offseason rehabbing his injury. Pocic has started all 13 games he’s appeared in this season for the Browns, earning a PFF grade of 63.6 while allowing two sacks and 14 pressures. It wouldn’t be surprising if this injury impacted Pocic’s offseason, as his current deal with the Browns is set to expire, making him a free agent.

Pocic was announced with a “calf” injury, but it appears Pocic has torn his Achilles’ tendon. It’s the worst possible news for a 30-year-old center who has manned the pivot for the Browns since 2022. They will now have to mix and match along their interior line for the stretch run as they attempt to develop Shedeur Sanders. Pocic’s contract has no guaranteed money remaining, so he could spend 2026 rehabbing as a free agent.

Pocic missed Week 6 with the knee issue but returned to the lineup last week. He played all 84 offensive snaps according to Pro Football Fous. His DNP on Wednesday could just be maintenance for a player still still working through a tricky knee injury. If he did re-injure his knee, Nick Harris would take over at center.

Pocic suffered a knee injury in Week 5 against the Commanders and didn’t suit up for Week 6. Pocic was limited in Thursday’s practice and could have a shot to suit up on Sunday if he can get on the field again on Friday. If he can’t go, backup Nick Harris will be scheduled for another start. In addition to Pocic, the Browns also listed safety Juan Thornhill (calf), and linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) as questionable.

Pocic suffered the knee injury in Week 5 while playing through an ankle injury. He underwent an MRI after the game and did not practice this week. Backup center Nick Harris should take his spot in the lineup this week.

The hits keep coming for Njoku, who had been sidelined for the last three weeks with an ankle injury. In his first game back, the veteran tight end played on 25 snaps before suffering a knee injury that could see him miss additional time. In addition to Njoku, head coach Kevin Stefanski said cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) and center Ethan Pocic (knee) will also have MRIs.

Center Ethan Pocic was removed from the injury report while fellow offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) is listed as questionable. Conklin began the year recovering from a knee injury. Just when it looked like he was ready to return, Conklin tweaked his hamstring. Deshaun Watson would greatly benefit from getting both of his tackles healthy for Week 5, but that is far from the only thing that the Browns need to address on offense.

This marks Conklin’s first practice in nearly two weeks. The veteran tackle last practiced ahead of the Browns’ Week 3 matchup against the Giants but has yet to suit up for a game. We’ll see if he’s able to play in Week 5 against the Commanders, but things remain very wait-and-see with him as of right now. In addition to Conklin, Jedrick Wills (knee), Ethan Pocic (ankle), and Myles Garrett (Achilles) also returned to practice, although Garrett will probably see light practices weeks going forward given the nature of his injuries.

T Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and C Ethan Pocic (ankle) likewise were unable to practice. The Browns’ injury-ruined offensive line has allowed a league-high 66 QB pressures through four games. The protection issues appear likely to continue, given Wednesday’s injury report.