The Cleveland Browns have bolstered their lineup significantly ahead of their Week 1 clash with the Dallas Cowboys by activating several key players. Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson have all passed their physical examinations, providing a substantial boost to the roster.
Key Players Return from Injury
One major development is the return of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against the Cincinnati Bengals. Conklin has been plagued by injuries over the past few seasons, missing 29 regular season games in the last three years. The Browns' offensive line has sorely missed his presence, and his return to practice marks the first time he will join the team this summer. This is a big step forward for both Conklin and the team as a whole.
In Conklin's absence, Dawand Jones briefly stepped in before also suffering a season-ending injury. This left the team scrambling for replacements, and while Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson stepped in at left tackle, the return of Wills Jr., another key offensive lineman, could not come soon enough. Wills underwent knee surgery, causing him to miss the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to Houston. His recovery and reactivation will undoubtedly strengthen the Browns' offensive line.
Defensive Reinforcements
On the defensive side, Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular season games last year due to a hamstring injury, is back. His return is critical, especially with standout cornerback Denzel Ward still in the concussion protocol. Newsome's presence will bring much-needed depth and skill to the Browns' secondary. Another defensive boost comes with D'Anthony Bell, who secured two interceptions last season, adding to the overall versatility and dynamism of the Browns' defense.
Adding to the excitement, Dalvin Tomlinson, signed from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, has passed his physical and will make an immediate impact on the defensive line. Tomlinson’s robust presence is expected to bolster the Browns' ability to disrupt opposing offenses, an area where they have shown inconsistency in the past.
Offensive Setbacks and Adjustments
Despite these positive developments, running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. Chubb will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season, depriving the Browns of one of their primary offensive weapons. The team will need to make strategic adjustments to cope with his absence, likely relying on a combination of other running backs and alterations in their offensive scheme to mitigate the impact.
Roster Moves and Expectations
With the NFL mandate to trim the active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Browns have already made the initial series of roster cuts, reducing their lineup to 76 players. One notable expectation is the placing of rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, a move anticipated to be part of the roster management strategy.
The return of key injured players and the strategic signings from free agency underscore the Browns' commitment to revitalizing their squad for a competitive season. As the team gears up for its Week 1 showdown against the Cowboys, these moves signal a proactive approach to overcoming last season’s setbacks and seizing new opportunities.