Jack

Conklin

With LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) ruled out, Kevin Stefanski said he will use the next 24 to 48 hours to determine whether Conklin will start, if at all, at LT instead of RT. Conklin’s return would be a boon for the Browns’ beleaguered offensive line.

Wills returned to practice on Thursday but is still at least a week away from playing. Right tackle Jack Conklin is listed as questionable because of a knee issue. Conklin played in Week 1 and practiced throughout the week, so he should be able to suit up. As expected, David Njoku was ruled out.

In addition to Wills being ruled out, the Browns have designated fellow starting tackle Jack Conklin as questionable with his knee injury. Wills was activated off the PUP list last week, but the 25-year-old bookend will not be ready to roll against the Dallas pass rush for the opener. If Conklin can’t go as well, it could be a day where Deshaun Watson needs to use his legs quite a bit.

Conklin is back on the practice field after being activated from the PUP list earlier in the week. If he doesn’t suffer any setbacks between now and then, he’ll have a good chance of suiting up for Week 1’s matchup against the Cowboys. Teams will release their first official injury reports next week, which should give us a better sense of his availability, but that Conklin avoiding being placed on injured reserve to start the season is a good sign.

Conklin is coming off the PUP list, which suggests he’ll be ready for the start of the season, barring any setbacks. Conklin suffered a torn ACL at the start of the 2023 season and has worked his way back ever since. His extended absence during training camp and the preseason should have given him ample time to rehab before making his return for the regular season. The return of the two-time All-Pro will be a welcomed one as the Browns look to protect Deshaun Watson heading into his third year with the team.

Left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) was also placed on the PUP list. Conklin suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 of the 2023 season and has been out ever since. Wills suffered multiple knee injuries in Week 9 and was out for the remainder of the season. Both players can be activated from the PUP list and return to practice at any time during training camp. When healthy, the Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league. The hope will be that both tackles are able to suit up in Week 1.

This was the expected outcome for Conklin, who exited Week 1’s win early in the game after having his knee collided into while trying to protect Deshaun Watson. Conklin was carted from the field and in visible pain after going down. Rookie offensive tackle Dawand Jones took over for Conklin, and could be in line for the Week 2 start against the Steelers.

Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson collided with Conklin’s knee while attempting to get to Deshaun Watson. Conklin stayed on the field, clearly in pain, until trainers helped him onto the cart. Fourth-round rookie Dawand Jones took over for Conklin at right tackle. As expected, Conklin was ruled out shortly after leaving the game.

Conklin suffered the injury in Monday’s joint practice with the Eagles. The long term effects are unlikely to linger into the regular season but they could prevent Conklin from seeing preseason repetitions. The 29-year-old tackle remains one of the top performers at the position as he enters his fourth straight season on the right flank for the Browns.

Conklin hasn’t practiced this week after picking up an ankle injury last week against the Commanders. He’ll miss the team’s final regular season game. His absence could be a major issue for Cleveland’s offensive line as they face off against T.J. Watt and the Steelers front four.