Browns 53-man roster prediction after Preseason Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
Offensive Line (9):
Jedrick Wills
Joel Bitonio
Ethan Pocic
Wyatt Teller
Jack Conklin
James Hudson
Chris Hubbard
Blake Hance
Dawson Deaton
The offensive line took a massive blow on just the second play of the night when Nick Harris went down with a knee injury. He was carted off the field and will likely miss the entire 2022 season, which means Ethan Pocic moves to the starting center role.
Once again, injuries have haunted this O-line as they had to find ways to replace Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills at various points of the season in 2021. Wills played through the pain as the season went on but an ankle injury suffered early in the year really slowed him down.
Conklin was playing at an elite level but suffered a torn patellar tendon. That’s a rough injury to come back from but he’s proven to be tough and should be able to bounce back. Still, there has to be some concern since James Hubbard struggled in his place last year. Chris Hubbard is a better option but he too has been dealing with injuries in recent years.
Their guards are great in Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller and they have a solid backup in Blake Hance — who has also filled in at tackle. Dawson Deaton earns the final spot as the rookie is suddenly their No. 2 center following the Harris injury.
Nick Harris on IR