The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their highly anticipated Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with a wave of activations and reassessments of their roster. Key players Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson have successfully passed their physical examinations, setting a positive tone for the start of the season.
Key Players Return from Injury
Jack Conklin is returning to the fray after a challenging period marred by injuries. Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals last year and has missed a total of 29 regular season games over the past three seasons. This activation marks his first practice session with the team this summer, signaling a significant milestone in his recovery process.
In the interim, Dawand Jones had stepped in for Conklin before he too suffered a season-ending injury. With Conklin back, the Browns are looking to solidify their offensive line, which has been in flux. The return of Jedrick Wills Jr. is also crucial. Wills Jr. underwent knee surgery and missed the final nine games of the regular season, including the playoff loss to Houston. In his absence, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have been holding the fort at left tackle.
A Mixed Bag of Health Updates
Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular season games last year due to a hamstring injury, is also back in action. This augments a secondary that is still without Denzel Ward, who remains in the concussion protocol. Yet, the inclusion of Newsome is a welcome development as the Browns prepare for a challenging season opener.
On the defensive side, D'Anthony Bell, who nabbed two interceptions last season, and Dalvin Tomlinson, a recent acquisition from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, are both ready to contribute. Tomlinson's presence is particularly noteworthy, given the significant investment the Browns made to bolster their defensive line.
However, it's not all positive news for Cleveland's roster. Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season. Chubb's absence will be keenly felt, and the Browns will have to rely on their depth to fill the void.
Roster Adjustments and Deadlines
As the Browns prepare for the season, they face the pressing task of trimming their active roster. The first series of roster cuts have been made, bringing the team's roster down to 76 players. With a deadline looming, the Browns must finalize their 53-player roster by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. One notable player, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., is expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, which will factor into the roster decisions.
Much is riding on the performance and health of these activated players as Cleveland looks to establish a robust start to the season. The blend of returning talent and new acquisitions could set the stage for a promising campaign, provided they can overcome the lingering injury issues. As the countdown to the Week 1 clash against the Cowboys continues, Browns fans will be keenly watching how these dynamics unfold on the field.