The Browns were decimated by injuries at multiple spots last year, offensive tackle among them. Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones each suffered season-ending injuries at various points in 2023, making their collective rehab progress a storyline worth monitoring.
Conklin went down in Week 1 with what turned out to be ACL and MCL tears. The 29-year-old underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the campaign, making 2023 his second Cleveland season during which he spent considerable time sidelined through injury. The two-time All-Pro missed OTAs and minicamp while rehabbing, but he recently revealed on Instagram that he has now recovered.
As a result, Conklin is on track to suit up for training camp this summer as he looks to reclaim his starting right tackle role. The former first-rounder should be considered the favorite in that regard, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal confirms. Jones — who performed admirably filling in for Conklin during his rookie campaign and was healthy for spring practices — would return to backup status in the event Conklin was able to practice at full strength in advance of the 2024 season.
The Michigan State alum inked a four-year, $60M extension in 2022 tying him to the Browns for the foreseeable future. Much of Conklin’s compensation in 2025 and 2026 consists of non-guaranteed base salaries, however, putting his post-2024 Cleveland future in doubt. His health and performance this fall will go a long way in determining how the Browns proceed at right tackle.
Jones is attached to his rookie contract for the next three years. The Ohio State alum made 11 appearances and nine starts before suffering his own injury, and he could represent a successor to Conklin depending on how the coming season plays out. In any event, better health up front would be a welcomed development for Cleveland compared to how last season ended.
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