The Cleveland Browns have activated multiple key players as they gear up for their Week 1 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. This news comes as a significant boost for the team, which has been riddled with injuries over the past few seasons.
Key Players Activated
Among the players who passed their physical examinations and are set to rejoin the team are Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson. The return of these players is expected to fortify the Browns' lineup substantially.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin's return is particularly noteworthy. Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against the Cincinnati Bengals, which significantly hampered the Browns' offensive line. Over the past three seasons, Conklin has missed a total of 29 regular season games, casting a shadow over his availability and reliability. This summer marks the first time Conklin will join the team in practice, signaling a hopeful return to form.
In Conklin's absence, Dawand Jones stepped in as a temporary replacement before also succumbing to a season-ending injury. Conklin’s return is thus a double-edged relief, reinforcing the team's depth and experience on the offensive line.
Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is another crucial component making his way back into the lineup. Wills underwent knee surgery and missed the last nine games of the regular season, along with the playoff loss to Houston. During his absence, players like Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have been filling in, but the team clearly missed the strength Wills brings to the left tackle position.
Defensive Adjustments
The Browns' defense also gets a lift with cornerback Greg Newsome II and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Newsome, who missed three regular season games last year due to a hamstring injury, will be a welcome addition to a secondary that is still grappling with the ongoing absence of Denzel Ward, who remains in concussion protocol.
Dalvin Tomlinson, a new signing from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Browns' defensive line. His arrival comes just in time, as rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is set to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, further necessitating the depth Tomlinson offers.
Offensive Hurdles
While the Browns celebrate the return of some key players, running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Chubb is expected to be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season, presenting an early challenge for the Browns' ground game.
D'Anthony Bell, who had a respectable two interceptions last season, also returns to strengthen the Browns' secondary. His presence will be critical as the team looks to solidify its defensive backfield.
Roster Cuts Looming
As the Browns integrate these returning players, they face the necessity of trimming their active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Already, the team has announced its first series of cuts, reducing their roster down to 76 players. The next few days will be crucial as the coaching staff makes the final decisions on who will make the Week 1 roster.
The return of key players ahead of their opening game against the Cowboys injects a newfound optimism in the Browns' camp. As the team closes in on finalizing their roster, they look to start the season on a solid note, bolstered by the reintegration of experienced and vital personnel.