The Cleveland Browns have taken a significant step towards fortifying their roster as they activated several key players ahead of their Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Among those activated are starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, along with reserve safety D'Anthony Bell, starting cornerback Greg Newsome II, and starting defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, all of whom passed their physical examinations successfully.
A Step Towards Full Strength
The return of these players marks a pivotal moment for the Browns, whose offensive line faced major setbacks last season. Jack Conklin, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year’s opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, will be joining practice with the team for the first time this summer. Over the past three seasons, Conklin has missed a staggering 29 regular season games, but his return is highly anticipated. Meanwhile, rookie Dawand Jones, who had temporarily stepped in for Conklin before suffering his own season-ending injury, has been actively working with the team during the preseason.
On the other side of the line, Jedrick Wills Jr., who had been placed on injured reserve following knee surgery last season, will not be practicing just yet. Wills missed the final nine games of the regular season, along with the playoff loss to Houston. To cope with his absence, players like Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have been seeing time at left tackle.
Defensive Reinforcements
Defensively, the Browns are also seeing some crucial pieces return to action. Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular season games last year due to a hamstring injury, will be back in practice. Newsome’s presence will undoubtedly bolster the secondary, especially with cornerback Denzel Ward still in the concussion protocol. Meanwhile, safety D'Anthony Bell, who had an impressive second season with the Browns, tallying two interceptions, is also set to join the practices.
The activation of Dalvin Tomlinson, integral to Cleveland’s interior defense, adds a layer of solidity to the defensive line. Tomlinson was a key signing from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency and brings with him the experience and skills needed to fortify the Browns' defense.
Challenges and Changes
However, not all news is positive for the Browns. Running back Nick Chubb will remain on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, sidelining him for the first four weeks of the regular season. Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is expected to be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List amidst an ongoing investigation into a domestic incident involving his fiancée.
In adherence to NFL regulations, the Browns must trim their active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Cleveland has already begun this process, announcing their first series of roster cuts, bringing their roster down to 76 players.
Looking Forward
As the Browns prepare for their Week 1 clash against the Cowboys, the return of their key players instills a renewed sense of optimism within the team and its fanbase. The upcoming practices will be crucial for the likes of Conklin, Bell, Newsome, and Tomlinson as they integrate back into the team dynamics and ready themselves for the rigors of the new season.
While the continued absence of Wills and Chubb poses challenges, the collective return of many starting members provides a much-needed boost both offensively and defensively. The Browns' management will now focus on fine-tuning the roster, ensuring a competitive and cohesive lineup as the countdown to the regular season opener begins.