BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stepped in to address comments made by offensive left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. regarding his recent absence from a game due to a knee injury. Following Wills’ declaration that he made a “business decision” to refrain from playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Stefanski met with him to clarify the situation.
During a press conference, Stefanski downplayed Wills’ remarks, indicating that they were poorly articulated. “I spoke with Jed. It was a poor choice of words,” he noted just before the team’s practice session leading up to their game against New Orleans. He assessed that Wills didn’t feel he was in optimal condition to contribute to the team, though he acknowledged that the way Wills expressed it was misguided, stating, “He understands that.”
Wills, who has been replaced in the starting lineup by second-year tackle Dawand Jones, decided not to participate in the game against the Ravens on October 27 due to swelling and reduced mobility stemming from a hyperextended right knee sustained a week prior during a match against Cincinnati. Previously, Wills had surgery on the same knee in December and expressed concerns about playing while not fully healthy, believing it would disadvantage the team. The Browns triumphed against the Ravens with Jones stepping in and performing effectively.
Although Wills was cleared to play in the following game against the Chargers, Coach Stefanski opted to keep Jones as the starter on the left side. Stefanski made it clear that Wills’ decision to sit out in Baltimore did not influence the decision to move him down the depth chart.
Wills, who is currently in the final year of his contract, found the benching to be unexpected and somewhat alarming. However, Stefanski emphasized that Wills’ earlier remarks would not alter his role for the remainder of the season. Presently, Wills serves as the “swing” tackle, providing backup support to both Jones and right tackle Jack Conklin. “No, that status hasn’t changed because of those remarks,” Stefanski stated emphatically.
Wills has been under scrutiny from fans in recent seasons. Drafted as the 10th overall pick in 2020 from Alabama, he has started 57 games and displayed solid performances overall, though there have been moments where his commitment has been called into question. Following his recent comments, however, his position within the team appears to be more precarious.
Stefanski noted the difficulty Wills has faced in regaining his previous form post-surgery. “I wouldn’t classify this as a setback,” he remarked, “but he hasn’t healed as swiftly as he hoped, leading to some instances of re-aggravating the injury. His rehabilitation has certainly been challenging.”
In other news, linebacker Jordan Hicks disclosed that he had been hospitalized in September for an elbow injection, information that had not been publicly shared by the team. After sitting out four of the last five games, Hicks returned to practice this week, which is critical for the Browns, especially with teammate Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah currently on injured reserve due to a neck injury.