CLEVELAND — The challenging season for Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has now come to a close, and his tenure with Cleveland may also be nearing its end.

Wills has been placed on injured reserve due to a persistent right knee injury that could necessitate further surgery. As a first-round draft selection in 2020, Wills has faced inconsistencies when fully fit, and he is set to enter free agency at the conclusion of the current season.

With the Browns holding a 3-9 record and only five games remaining—starting with a contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday—Wills will have to adhere to the rules of injured reserve, which require him to remain sidelined for a minimum of four games. This indicates that he is unlikely to return for any games in 2024.

The future of Wills with the team remains uncertain. Prior to traveling to Pittsburgh, the Browns also placed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and activated wide receivers Michael Woods II and Kadarius Toney from the practice squad to the active roster.

Earlier this season, Wills was benched in favor of second-year tackle Dawand Jones. His situation was further complicated when he underwent knee surgery in December and later stirred controversy by stating he made a “business decision” to miss a game because he felt he could not contribute effectively due to injury.

The absence of a contract extension for Wills before this season hinted that the organization may be preparing to move forward without him.

Over five seasons with Cleveland, Wills has started 57 games after being drafted as the 10th overall pick out of Alabama in 2020. Although he has shown glimpses of talent, concerns regarding his commitment to the game have persisted.

Meanwhile, Hurst sustained an injury during the Browns’ recent loss to Denver, having made two starts and participated in eight games this season.