Who Replaces Ryan Tucker?

Starting right guard Ryan Tucker is going to be out until after the start of training camp, so the question now focuses to who his replacement will be for the time being.  One thing to consider, however, is that Tucker is about to turn 33 years old and will be entering his 12th NFL season.  That’s not to say he cannot come back from his hip surgery, but, as many will attest, comebacks get harder with age.

Coach Romeo Crennel had this to say about the injury:

"“…we expect him to be able to come back this year and help us.  I know Ryan will do everything he can to get back.”"

It’s a very safe response, and it doesn’t seem the Browns are going to break much of a sweat in filling the void.  The two best candidates to replace Tucker are Rex Hadnot and Seth McKinney.  Hadnot was signed as a free agent this past off-season, and he was a starter with the Miami Dolphins.

McKinney was the starting right guard for the Browns last season for eight games before he went on injured reserve.  The fact that he knows the system should help in him compete for the starting job.  But, up until Tucker’s injury, Hadnot was seen practicing with the offensive line’s second unit, most likely giving him the advantage.

Nothing will be decided until after minicamps and training camp, but one thing is for sure: the signing of Hadnot is looking more important by the day.