The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys with a fully healthy roster, a rare occurrence for the team in recent months. This includes the return of starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who had been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery last December.
Wills, a key player with 53 starts in four seasons, had been limited to side work during training camp and preseason due to a torn medial collateral ligament. Despite expectations for an earlier return, he is now set to practice and potentially play against the Cowboys on Sunday, as confirmed by Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski did not confirm Wills as the starting left tackle, leaving the possibility open for right tackle Jack Conklin to transition to the left side. Conklin, who played left tackle during his time at Michigan State, is returning from a knee injury that ended his last season early with reconstructive surgery.
In the absence of Wills, James Hudson III and Dawand Jones both stand as options at left tackle for the Browns. Wide receiver David Bell, who had been dealing with a quadriceps injury, has also returned to practice.
The team’s depth and flexibility in the offensive line are allowing the Browns to prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Cowboys’ formidable defense led by All-Pro player Micah Parsons. The team emphasizes taking each day as it comes, acknowledging the uncertainties that come with player recoveries and lineup decisions.
