Could Nick McDonald Start At Center for Browns?
The Cleveland Browns offensive line looked great for the first five games and terrible last week. Mike Pettine started John Greco at center and Paul McQuistan at right guard, Greco’s old spot, last week. This week he is being secretive about who will start at center.
He stated that we would find out officially Sunday when they turn in their starting lineup. It is possible that Nick McDonald, eligible to come of the Non-Football Injury List, could actually start at center this Sunday:
#Browns C Nick McDonald (wrist/reserve-NFI) is ready to play, I'm told. Team has until 4 pm ET Sat. to activate him for this week's game.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 24, 2014
If they activate him, feeling is that he'll start at center, not to be a backup. Greco would go to back to guard
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 24, 2014
McDonald was ready last week, but coaches wanted to see him practice for at least a week, see conditioning, etc.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 24, 2014
The Browns had hopes for McDonald after they claimed him off waivers from the San Diego Chargers. McDonald is coming back from a wrist injury which has sidelined him all off-season. As Caplan stated the coaches wanted to see how his conditioning especially was.
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Browns fans should keep their expectations low but at this point anyone is likely better than McQuistan was last week. Putting Greco back over to his familiar spot and inserting McDonald could help stabilize the line, and the run game. The Raiders poor run defense will also help.
McDonald has played in 18 contests so far in his three year career, all with the New England Patriots. He has the flexibility to play both center and guard.
If he is inserted expect some growing pains as offensive lines need time to gel together to understand each other and play together. They have not had much time to do so with McDonald but at least moving Greco back puts four starters in their original positions.
Do you hope McDonald starts Sunday or think last week’s line can improve quickly?