The Cleveland Browns made significant roster moves ahead of their Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, activating several key players and cutting down their roster to meet NFL requirements.
Browns Activate Key Players
In a notable boost to their squad, the Browns activated offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., offensive tackle Jack Conklin, defensive back D'Anthony Bell, cornerback Greg Newsome II, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. All five players passed their physical examinations, signaling their readiness for the upcoming season.
The return of Jack Conklin is particularly noteworthy. Conklin, a major component of the offensive line, suffered a season-ending knee injury last year during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the past three seasons, Conklin has missed 29 regular-season games due to various injuries, but he is now set to join practice with the team for the first time this summer.
Jedrick Wills Jr., another critical figure on the offensive line, also makes his return after undergoing knee surgery. Wills missed the final nine games of the previous regular season and the playoff loss to Houston. In his absence, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have stepped up to fill the void at left tackle.
Dallas Cowboys up Next
As the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys approaches, the Browns' secondary sees the return of Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular-season games last year due to a hamstring injury. However, while Denzel Ward remains in the concussion protocol, D'Anthony Bell, who had two interceptions last season, will be a crucial player to watch in the defensive backfield.
Newly signed defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who joined the Browns from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, is expected to fortify the Browns' defensive line. These additions and recoveries could play a pivotal role in Cleveland's performance as they aim to make a strong start to the season.
Roster Adjustments and Injuries
Despite the positive news, some challenges remain. Running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season. Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is anticipated to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List. These absences mean that the Browns will need to rely on their depth to cover these key spots.
In compliance with NFL regulations, the Browns announced their first series of roster cuts, reducing their active roster from 90 players down to 76. The team must further trim their roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. This period is always challenging for teams, as they need to balance between maintaining depth and complying with league mandates.
While these developments present a mixed bag of challenges and advantages, the Cleveland Browns appear to be heading into the season with a measure of optimism. The activation of essential players and the strategic shuffling of the roster indicate a focused approach as they prepare to face a formidable opponent in the Dallas Cowboys.
The upcoming Week 1 game will serve as an important indicator of how well the Browns can integrate these returning players and manage the inevitable challenges that come with the start of a new NFL season.