Is Cole Van Lanen Playing Today vs. Browns?

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Is Cole Van Lanen Playing Today vs. Browns?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Saivion Mixson | Last updated Sep 13, 2026 10:07 AM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been dealing with the injury bug along the offensive line, including tackle Cole Van Lanen. Van Lanen has been a limited participant in practice all week; however, on Friday, there was no injury designation for Van Lanen as the Jaguars prepare to take on the Cleveland Browns. That leaves the question: Is Cole Van Lanen playing today vs. the Browns?

What Does Cole Van Lanen Bring to the Jaguars?

The Jacksonville Jaguars logo at midfieldNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Cole Van Lanen finished 2025 with team-leading PFF grades in both pass-blocking and run-blocking before suffering a knee injury in the final game of the regular season that left him unavailable for the Jaguars’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Van Lanen can play both tackle spots, which comes in handy now that Anton Harrison is back at left tackle. But if Van Lanen can play, the Jaguars will have a much better time dealing with Isaiah McGuire and Jared Verse off the edge.

What if Van Lanen is Unable to Play?

Nov 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (74) prepares to block Texas Tech Red Raiders back Amier Washington (88) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesMichael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Behind Harrison and Van Lanen is tackle Walker Little, who finished with below-average run-blocking (63.6, 49th/89th) and pass-blocking grades (63.5, 59th/89th). Another option, which the Jaguars did a bit last season, is to have Ezra Cleveland on the outside and allow Wyatt Milum or Daniel Faalele a chance to earn their keep on the inside. The former is the better solution; the goal for any offensive line is to get your best five guys out there and Milum has struggled mightily this offseason, while Faalele is an unknown with a not-so-sparkling track record before arriving in Jacksonville.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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