CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns will be without their starting left tackle, Jedrick Wills Jr., for the upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury. This game is crucial for the Browns as they look to end a five-game skid, particularly following the loss of quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending injury.

Wills did not participate in practice during the week, and head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Friday that he would officially miss the game. The Browns’ offensive line has faced significant challenges throughout the season, largely due to injuries affecting multiple players.

Stefanski indicated that Wills has re-injured the same knee that required surgery last December. With Wills out, the Browns are forced to adapt their offensive line once again. One of the possible adjustments includes moving right tackle Dawand Jones over to the left side. Jones played the first five games at right tackle while Jack Conklin was rehabbing from knee reconstruction. Conklin, a two-time All-Pro, returned to play two weeks ago after his long absence.

The team is anticipating the return of right guard Wyatt Teller, who has been sidelined for the last four games due to a knee issue. Teller is known for being one of the league’s premier run blockers and was reinstated from injured reserve, practicing throughout the week. This development offers a glimmer of hope for Cleveland’s struggling offense, which currently ranks at the bottom of the league.

Quarterback Jameis Winston is set to make his first start after Watson sustained an Achilles tendon injury that will require surgery on Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Coach Stefanski announced that second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will serve as the backup for Winston. Thompson-Robinson stepped in to play after Watson’s injury but then hurt the middle finger of his throwing hand during a sack.

To bolster their quarterback options, the Browns have signed Bailey Zappe, who was recently on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. The upcoming game against the Ravens is critical as the Browns aim to regain some momentum amid this challenging season.