As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their Week 1 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, several key players have been activated, giving a significant boost to the team's prospects. Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson have all successfully passed their physical examinations, signaling their readiness for the upcoming season.
Jack Conklin's return is particularly noteworthy. The right tackle suffered a season-ending knee injury last year in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, adding to the 29 regular-season games he has missed over the past three seasons. His absence was a significant blow to the Browns' offensive line. Conklin's return to practice this summer marks a pivotal moment in his recovery, and his presence on the field will be crucial for the Browns' offensive schemes.
Conklin's injury last season saw Dawand Jones temporarily stepping in before he, too, suffered a season-ending setback. Jedrick Wills Jr. also faced his share of challenges, undergoing knee surgery that caused him to miss the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to Houston. In Wills' absence, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have been holding the fort at left tackle. Wills' successful recovery and activation come as a significant relief for the team's offensive strategies.
Defensive contributions will be buoyed by the return of Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular-season games last year due to a hamstring injury. His skills in the secondary will be vital, especially with Denzel Ward still navigating the concussion protocol. Another strong defensive presence is D'Anthony Bell, who had two interceptions last season and will be looking to add to his tally this year. Newly signed Dalvin Tomlinson, acquired from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, is also expected to make a solid impact on the defensive line.
However, it's not all good news for the Browns. Star running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and is set to be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season. Chubb's absence will be felt in the Browns' ground game, and the team will need to find effective alternatives to maintain their offensive productivity.
Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, which could further affect the team's defensive depth. These developments come as the Browns face the task of finalizing their roster. The team must trim its active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, down from the current count of 76 following their first series of roster cuts.
The return of these key players is timely as the Browns prepare for the season opener. The Browns' coaching staff and fans alike will be eager to see how the team, bolstered by these returning players, will perform against a robust Cowboys team. With the season just around the corner, the Browns are looking to make a strong statement in Week 1, and the activated players' readiness will be a critical factor in their success.