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Browns LT Jedrick Wills Undergoes Surgery, To Miss Rest Of Season

December 12th, 2023 at 12:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Stationed on IR with an MCL sprain, Jedrick Wills is eligible to be activated. But the Browns will not have their top left tackle available at any point down the stretch.

Rather than making a return from an injury that often leads to seasons pausing but not ending, Wills underwent surgery Tuesday morning, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reports. While this is an arthroscopic procedure, it is slated to sideline the fourth-year blocker for the rest of the season. The Browns have since announced the procedure will keep Wills off the field the rest of the way.

This deals a blow to a Browns team that has been playing without top right tackle Jack Conklin since Week 2. Cleveland also lost fill-in tackle starter Dawand Jones to a season-ending injury as well. Conklin suffered an ACL tear in the Browns’ opener; Jones sustained a knee injury in practice leading up to the team’s Week 14 game. Wills’ status update will continue Cleveland’s uphill battle at tackle.

The Browns started James Hudson and Geron Christian at tackle Sunday. That combination was good enough to propel a now-Joe Flacco-quarterbacked team past the Jaguars, despite Christian arriving as a practice squad pickup on Halloween. A 2018 third-round Washington pick, Christian is on team No. 6. But he has made five starts for the Browns this season. A 2021 fourth-rounder, Hudson has made three this year and 10 during his Browns run. This looks like the combination Cleveland will need to rely on going forward.

One of four tackles who went off the 2020 draft board in the top 13 picks, Wills was selected 10th — behind Andrew Thomas but ahead of Mekhi Becton and Tristan Wirfs. The Browns picked up the Alabama alum’s fifth-year option this offseason, locking him into a $14.1MM salary for 2024. This injury-marred season blunts any momentum the team had hoped Wills would carry into the ’24 offseason, potentially complicating extension talks. The Browns already have three big-ticket contracts along their O-line, having also extended guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller in 2021.

Coming into the season, Wills had never missed more than four games during any of his NFL slates. This gave the Browns some stability at tackle during a period that has involved two severe Conklin injuries. Cleveland gave Conklin a four-year, $60MM extension in December 2022. This points to the Browns running out the Wills-Conklin tandem for a fifth straight season come 2024. Those two will be tabbed to protect Deshaun Watson and likely open run lanes for Nick Chubb. As it stands now, the Browns’ offense is missing cornerstone cogs as it attempts to complement a high-end defense.

Watson and Chubb are done for the year. While Jerome Ford (feat. Kareem Hunt) has been the team’s backfield solution, the Browns are on QB No. 4 in Flacco. Despite not playing for the season’s first three months and being a month away from his 39th birthday, Flacco has played well in two starts with the Browns. The former Super Bowl MVP has done so despite the issues at tackle. While placing an immobile passer behind two backup tackles represents a shaky situation for the Browns, they are atop a jumbled AFC wild-card race at 8-5. The Browns having a solid interior O-line mix (Bitonio-Teller-Ethan Pocic) certainly helps their battered offense’s cause.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/11/23

December 11th, 2023 at 8:18pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland Browns

Indianapolis Colts

Pittsburgh Steelers

P.J. Walker has landed back on the Browns practice squad after getting cut from the active roster this past weekend. After spending the offseason with the Bears, Walker caught on with the Browns practice squad to begin the 2023 campaign. He ended up starting a pair of games for Cleveland, including a win over the 49ers. However, his one touchdown vs. five interceptions didn’t spark much optimism, and with Walker firmly behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Joe Flacco on the depth chart, the QB was demoted to the practice squad.

The former UDFA out of Temple spent the previous three seasons with the Panthers, starting seven of his 15 appearances. In 17 career games, Walker has completed 54.6 percent of his passes for 2,135 yards, six touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He’s gone 5-4 in his nine career starts.

Browns T Dawand Jones To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

December 11th, 2023 at 1:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns have managed to win eight games despite using four different starting quarterbacks, but the team’s success has also come about with numerous injuries along the offensive line. The team has encountered more unwanted news on that front.

[RELATED: Joe Flacco To Remain Browns’ Starting QB]

Rookie tackle Dawand Jones suffered a knee injury in practice before Cleveland’s Week 14 game. He will require season-ending surgery as a result, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). The procedure will put an end to an impressive first pro season and leave the team even thinner at the offensive tackle spots.

Starter Jack Conklin suffered an ACL tear in Week 1, leaving a vacancy at the right tackle position. That immediately thrust Jones into the lineup, and he held down a starting role ever since. The Ohio State alum showed improvement as the season progressed, earning impressive PFF marks in pass protection in particular. Jones sat 29th out of 83 tackles in that regard entering Week 14, and he drew an overall mark of 64.7.

With the 22-year-old unavailable for Sunday’s contest, the Browns turned to 2021 fourth-rounder James Hudson at RT. He has now logged 10 starts across his 41 games with Cleveland, and he will likely be counted on as a first-teamer for the remainder of the season. The loss of Conklin, and now Jones, is of course compounded by the fact that left tackle Jedrick Wills remains on injured reserve, having been out since November.

Without the latter in the lineup, Cleveland has relied on Geron Christian to man the blindside. The 27-year-old journeyman has started five games since his arrival with the Browns, and he will remain a key member of the Browns’ offense as their playoff push continues. Siting at 8-5 despite having a severely shorthanded offense, Cleveland will now have to move forward with another replacement starter along the O-line.

Browns Name Joe Flacco Starting QB For Remainder Of Season

December 10th, 2023 at 1:17pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the wake of his second straight impressive showing, Joe Flacco is in line to remain in the No. 1 quarterback role moving forward. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced after today’s contest that Flacco will be the team’s starter for the remainder of the season.

Deshaun Watson was in line to serve as Cleveland’s full-time starter, and he began to show promise for the first time since his arrival with the team (via a massive trade haul and a fully guaranteed, $230MM contract) midway through the season. Lingering shoulder issues ultimately led to Watson being shut down after undergoing season-ending surgery last month, however, leaving a vacancy for the Browns to fill.

Fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was in line to move up to the starter’s role in place of Watson. The former impressed during training camp and the preseason, and he saw one start early in the season (in place of P.J. Walker). Thompson-Robinson did not play well in that contest, though he did get the nod for consecutive starts in November: a win over the Steelers followed by a loss to the Broncos.

The UCLA product missed Week 13 due to a concussion, which paved the way for Flacco to see his first start not long after having signed with the Browns. The former Super Bowl MVP had an encouraging start to that game, a loss to the Rams. Flacco’s overall numbers (23-of-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) left plenty to be desired, but he delivered a stronger performance on Sunday.

Flacco posted 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while going 26-for-45 in a win over the Jaguars in Week 14. As a result of his strong play, it comes as no surprise that Stefanski and Co. have elected to keep the 38-year-old atop the depth chart as the team’s playoff push continues. Cleveland has now won a game with four different QBs this year, a fact made even more impressive considering the season-ending knee injury star running back Nick Chubb suffered early in the campaign. Flacco had been a gameday practice squad elevation, but today’s news confirms he will be signed to the active roster in the near future.

After seeing his Jets tenure come to an end this offseason, Flacco expressed an interest in continuing his career despite his age and a 1-8 record as a starter in New York. The longtime Ravens starter has managed to impress this year, though, and he now has the opportunity to lead his new team to a postseason position. Sitting at 8-5, the Browns are part of a logjam in the AFC’s wild-card picture, but continued strong play from under center could not only boost Flacco’s free agent prospects but also Cleveland’s chances of making an unexpected playoff appearance.

Browns, S Grant Delpit Agree On Extension

December 10th, 2023 at 10:39am CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s free agent safety market only included one eight-figure-per-year agreement, with Jessie Bates lapping the field on a $16MM-AAV accord. Grant Delpit and the Browns found a happy medium Sunday.

Delpit will not make it to the 2024 market. The Browns have a deal in place to extend the 2020 second-round pick, 247Sports’ Brad Stainbrook tweets. The LSU alum will be tied to a three-year contract worth $36MM, according to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, who adds the fourth-year safety secured $23MM guaranteed on this deal.

Chosen in Andrew Berry‘s first draft as GM, Delpit has come a long way since missing his entire rookie season. The former No. 44 overall pick suffered an Achilles tear during training camp in 2020. Upon returning, he was not a full-time starter. But the 25-year-old defender has turned the corner in the years since. With the Browns making a substantial improvement in Jim Schwartz‘s first year as defensive coordinator, they have identified Delpit as a keeper alongside the likes of Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Delpit’s deal checks in more than $4MM north of any contract handed to a non-Bates free agent safety this offseason. While Bates scored a four-year, $64MM pact, the rest of the lot did not eclipse $8MM per annum. This profiles as an upper-middle-class safety contract, as it will check in tied for 12th overall, AAV-wise, at the position. It is not yet known if the $23MM guarantee is fully locked in at signing or if that total represents the injury-guarantee number. Were Delpit to receive $23MM fully guaranteed, that would place him fifth overall among safeties.

Cleveland participated in this offseason’s midlevel safety market as well, signing Juan Thornhill to a three-year, $21MM deal. The team will complete 2023 having devoted notable capital to two back-line defenders. Ward, Thornhill and Delpit are all signed through at least 2025. Ward sidekick Greg Newsome‘s rookie deal can run through 2025, should the Browns pick up the cornerback’s fifth-year option by May.

Pro Football Focus slots Delpit 30th overall among safeties, while Pro-Football-Reference’s coverage metrics place Delpit’s numbers as slightly worse than last season. But it is undeniable the Browns have made significant strides in pass deterrence compared to where they were under Joe Woods. The three-year DC’s tenure ended with the team ranking 20th in points allowed and 14th in total defense, though Cleveland did finish fifth against the pass last season. The team has built on that this year, leading the NFL in total defense. A No. 1-ranked pass defense fuels that effort, one that has become even more important since the team lost Deshaun Watson for the season.

The Browns have, however, been without Ward for the past three weeks (the high-end corner is out again Sunday). With recent free agent pickup Joe Flacco once again in place as the Browns’ starting quarterback — the team’s fourth QB1 this season — the team’s vaunted pass defense will be tasked with attempting to keep this car on the road en route to the playoffs. Delpit will be a key part of that effort and the Browns’ long-term future on defense.

Browns WR Amari Cooper Clears Concussion Protocol

December 9th, 2023 at 12:25pm CST by Ben Levine

After being listed as questionable for Week 14 with a concussion and rib injury, Browns wideout Amari Cooper is expected to play tomorrow against the Jaguars, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Cooper had to overcome a pair of hurdles to play on Sunday. Most notably, Cooper is now out of concussion protocol after receiving his final clearance from an independent neurological consultant, as Rapoport passes along.

The wide receiver has also been dealing with a rib issue. Cooper suffered the injury in Week 12, but subsequent x-rays came up negative for any damage. Cooper still managed to play last weekend against the Rams, hauling in three of his five targets for 34 yards. The wideout was limited to a season-low 23 snaps after having to exit the contest due to his head injury.

Cooper is putting up strong numbers during his second season in Cleveland. The 29-year-old receiver has collected 50 receptions for 799 yards and two touchdowns.

In addition to clearing Cooper, the Browns made a handful of additional moves ahead of tomorrow’s game. The team announced that they’ve elevated quarterback Joe Flacco as a standard gameday practice squad elevation while waiving QB P.J. Walker. The team also activated rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell from injured reserve.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, GM Andrew Berry Not In Danger Of Being Fired

December 2nd, 2023 at 10:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2023 season has not gone according to plan for the Browns from an injury perspective, but the team is in a playoff spot entering Week 13. As a result, the job security for head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry is not a talking point.

Both entered the season with considerable expectations given the strength of Cleveland’s roster, and the annual regression in the win-loss department which had taken place during their three-year tenures. However, season-ending injuries to the likes of running back Nick Chubb and, more recently, quarterback Deshaun Watson have not prevented a 7-4 start and the strong chance of a postseason berth. The team’s success so far has chased away the possibility of a change on the sideline or in the front office.

Both Stefanski and Berry are “here to stay,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). The former earned Coach of the Year honors in 2020 after leading the team to a record of 11-5 and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs. A step back to 8-9 followed, though, along with a 7-10 mark in 2022, the first year with Watson at the helm (though his suspension delayed his Browns debut until Week 12 during that campaign). That regression led some to believe the heat could quickly increase on the Stefanski-Berry regime barring improvements.

No coaching change took place this past offseason, to no surprise, and Stefanski’s coaching performance in 2023 has likewise unsurprisingly earned him a longer leash. The Browns are tied to the decision to acquire Watson – a move which included a trade package of three first-round picks followed by a fully guaranteed $230MM contract – and the repercussions which will come from it. The former Texans Pro Bowler has not lived up to expectations so far in Cleveland, but the team’s ability to win without him in the lineup or playing to his previous level when on the field has drawn rave reviews.

That will continue to be tested as Joe Flacco is set to start in Week 13 with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson sidelined. Adding the veteran late in the season could prove to be a shrewd move if it allows the Browns to continue winning with a severely shorthanded offense and push for a postseason berth in the crowded AFC. Even if that does not prove to be the case, though, both Stefanski and Berry appear to have earned themselves extra leeway heading into the offseason.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/2/23

December 2nd, 2023 at 4:51pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s gameday callups and minor moves heading into Sunday:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Chiefs have ruled out running back Jerick McKinnon for tomorrow’s game against the Packers, necessitating some extra depth at the position. The team will turn to Prince, an undrafted free agent who has spent the entire season on Kansas City’s practice squad. Prince had a breakout season at Tulsa in 2022, finishing with 813 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

Winfrey, a 2022 fourth-round pick, was cut by the Browns last July after being investigated for pulling a gun on a woman. He joined the Jets practice squad in early November and will finally earn his first promotion of the season. Winfrey got into 13 games for Cleveland last year, collecting 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

At age 36, Irvin will be making his debut for a sixth NFL team. The veteran pass rusher signed with Detroit midway through November and will finally have a chance to extend his streak of regular season appearances to 12 straight years. The only absence on the Lions’ front-seven will be linebacker Alex Anzalone, so Detroit may be looking to stand Irvin up to help the team’s depth at linebacker.

 

Injury Updates: Garrett, Bengals, Etienne, Dolphins

December 2nd, 2023 at 12:07pm CST by Ben Levine

Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett likely suffered some structural damage in his left shoulder, an injury that was aggravated during last weekend’s loss. As Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com writes, it’s uncertain if the injury will even require surgery, and Garrett is determined to continue playing this season.

“I feel terrible,” Garrett said following Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. “Everything hurts, shoulder hurts. But we’ve got to keep on going, keep on rolling till the wheels fall off. We’re having great success and enjoying how this team is really coming together, especially down the stretch. And we’re going to continue to keep on working hard to be fresh and fit whenever we get to Sunday.”

Garrett said he felt a pop in his shoulder during the game, but he also admitted that he’s been dealing with a shoulder issue for the entire season. The injury could be attributed to the AC joint sprain Garrett suffered last season, or it could be an entirely new injury, with Cabot speculating that the pass rusher may be dealing with a partial dislocation.

The former first-overall pick is on track to earn another All-Pro nod in 2022. In 11 games, Garrett has collected 13 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 12 tackles for loss.

More injury notes from around the NFL…

  • The Bengals got some good news on both sides of the ball ahead of Monday Night Football. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bengals wideout Tee Higgins and linebacker Logan Wilson will play against the Jaguars. Higgins has missed the past three games while dealing with a hamstring injury, while Wilson is recovering from an ankle injury suffered last weekend. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news in Cincinnati. After suffering a sprained ankle at practice this week, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will not play on Monday night, per Schefter.
  • On the other side, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said he’s expecting running back Travis Etienne to play on Monday night, per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. Etienne suffered a rib injury last weekend that briefly forced him to exit the game, and he’s been practicing on a limited basis throughout the week. If he is sidelined on Monday, the Jaguars would lean on D’Ernest Johnson and rookie Tank Bigsby.
  • De’Von Achane is expected to play for the Dolphins this weekend, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. After returning from a knee injury in time for Week 11, the running back was once again sidelined with the issue for Week 12. Meanwhile, Terron Armstead said he intends to play this weekend despite suffering a quadriceps injury on Black Friday. It was initially thought that the offensive tackle could miss multiple weeks, so this is an encouraging update for the Dolphins offense.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/1/23

December 1st, 2023 at 7:51pm CST by Ely Allen

The first minor transactions of December:

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Long gets waived from the Panthers’ roster just a week after starting for them against the Titans. Long, who was claimed off of waivers about a month ago, has not been a regular starter in Carolina but was forced into action due to the injury absences of C.J. Henderson and Jaycee Horn. With both players nearing their return, and the recent waiver claim of Shaquill Griffin, the Panthers decided to bring up Strachan instead holding onto Long. The big-bodied receiver had one catch for 45 yards as a practice squad callup earlier this year.

Woods has received a six-game suspension for an incident that took place this summer in which he violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Woods has already missed the entire season up until now on the reserve/non-football injury list after tearing his Achilles tendon back in April. While the Browns hoped for the possibility of a late-season return, this newest development guarantees that Woods will miss the entire 2023-24 season.

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