The Cleveland Browns entered Monday riding high off their second consecutive fourth-quarter comeback, but their first practice report ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers included some sobering news.
Elgton Jenkins, Cleveland’s starting center who has helped anchor the Browns’ new-look offensive line through the first three games, was listed as a nonparticipant with a concussion.
The practice report was an estimate, as Cleveland only held walkthroughs Monday, fresh off Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers. But Jenkins’ inclusion on that report is a bad sign for his chances of playing on Thursday.
Jenkins played all 70 offensive snaps against the Panthers, meaning any concussion-like symptoms came after the game.
It’s unclear whether Jenkins has officially entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, but that would appear to be the case. That means Cleveland’s interior offensive line depth is about to be tested against the Steelers’ formidable defensive front.
Luke Wypler and Parker Brailsford are next in line for the Browns if Elgton Jenkins can't go
Judging by training camp and Cleveland’s first three games, fourth-year pro Luke Wypler would likely get the nod if Jenkins indeed misses the Steelers game while in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Wypler has been active on game days as the backup center and has seen 10 special teams snaps on the field goal block team. He got plenty of work during training camp with Jenkins battling injuries (and likely some veteran rest), and rookie Parker Brailsford down with a wrist injury to his snapping hand.
Brailsford has been a healthy inactive in each of the Browns’ first three games, but that will likely change on Thursday night. Cleveland could be down to eight healthy linemen in Spencer Fano, Zion Johnson, Austin Barber, Tytus Howard, Dawand Jones, Zak Zinter, Wypler and Brailsford.
Cleveland could also add depth via the practice squad, if needed, by calling up KT Leveston.
The most likely outcome is Wypler getting the start with Brailsford as the top backup. Wypler started four games down the stretch in 2025 after the season-ending injury to Ethan Pocic, but the team wasn’t exactly inspired by his play. The new regime quickly pounced on Jenkins after he was cut by the Green Bay Packers in early March, and then doubled down with Brailsford, the former Alabama standout, in the fifth round of April’s draft.
Browns have several other injuries to monitor before Thursday night
The Browns also listed wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee) and guard Teven Jenkins (back) as nonparticipants. Cornerback Tyson Campbell, who missed the Panthers game on Sunday with hip and ankle injuries, was estimated as a limited participant along with safety Grant Delpit (shoulder) and Howard (knee).
For the Steelers, cornerback Jalen Ramsey was estimated as a limited participant with a wrist injury and running back Rico Dowdle was a nonparticipant with a toe issue. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was listed as a full participant, hinting that he could be preparing to make his 2026 debut on Thursday night.
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