Emergency Situation at Offensive Tackle for Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns’ offensive tackle situation has gone from bad to worse. In a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, all three offensive tackles who took reps with the first and second offensive line groups suffered injuries. James Hudson, the team’s starting left tackle, left the game with an ankle injury. Germain Ifedi and Hakeem Adeniji, both offseason veteran insurance additions, also got hurt during a play. Hudson was in a protective boot after the game, while Adeniji was on crutches. Both players will undergo MRIs to assess the severity of their injuries.
The Browns already had a major offensive tackle issue, which was evident in the joint practices with the Vikings, where the pass rush dominated stretches of the sessions. With Jedrick Wills Jr. still recovering from knee surgery and Jack Conklin on the physically unable to perform list, the Browns are left with limited options at the position. Dawand Jones, who replaced Conklin last season, has been playing right tackle but may not be a viable long-term solution.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed concern over the offensive tackle emergency, stating that the team might have to add multiple offensive tackles before returning to practice. The Browns made a trade for an offensive lineman last week, and they may be forced to make another move if Wills doesn’t return soon.
One potential solution could be moving Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio to left tackle. Although Bitonio has only played left tackle once in his pro career, he started a game at the position last season due to a COVID-related emergency and performed well. Bitonio, however, has not heard any mention of a potential move this summer.
The Browns are also evaluating their backup quarterbacks, Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who are vying for the No. 3 quarterback spot behind Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston. Thompson-Robinson started the preseason game against the Vikings and had an impressive performance, completing 13-of-17 passes for 126 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Huntley, on the other hand, struggled, throwing two interceptions and running too much in a difficult situation.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jamari Thrash has been making a push to secure a spot on the roster. Thrash caught three passes for 25 yards in the game against the Vikings and has been impressive with his work ethic throughout training camp. If he continues to perform well, he could earn reps with the first-team offense in practice next week.
In other news, kicker Cade York handled the kicking duties in the game, as veteran Dustin Hopkins is dealing with a minor injury. The Browns are showcasing York this summer in hopes of trading him to another team. Additionally, running back D’Onta Foreman, who suffered a neck injury during practice a few weeks ago, scored the Browns’ only touchdown in the game and is on track to make the roster.
Overall, the Browns find themselves in an emergency situation at offensive tackle, with multiple injuries and uncertainty surrounding the position. The team will need to make some quick decisions and potentially explore trades or free-agent signings to address the issue before the regular season begins.