The Browns loss to the Titans on Sunday in Week 14 was a double blow, because it also came with the loss of starting center Ethan Pocic, who went out with a torn Achilles tendon and is done for the season. For a unit that was already without left tackle Dawand Jones (knee injury) for the remainder of the season, and also was dealing right tackle Jack Conklin and guard Wyatt Teller sitting out on Sunday, Pocic’s injury is just further depletion of a unit that was not great, even when healthy.
On Tuesday, the Browns announced that Pocic would be placed on the IR. The team also added that Jerome Ford, the former starting running back, is going to the IR with a shoulder injury.
The Browns also reconfigured their practice squad on Tuesday, as they cut ties with linebackers Ochaun Mathis and Mark Robinson and addressed a pair of spots at which they now need depth, signing center Darrian Dalcourt and defensive tackle Keith Cooper Jr.
Browns Lacking Depth on the Line
The Browns are severely lacking in depth on the offensive line, so the addition of Dalcourt makes sense. The Browns will start Luke Wypler, a 2023 sixth-round pick, at center with Pocic out, and there’s at least a chance that Wypler will hold the job–Pocic is heading into free agency.
The Browns also are without defensive tackle Maliek Collins, out for the year with a quad injury.
That’s where Dalcourt and Cooper come in.
From the Browns’ team release on the moves: “Dalcourt (6-3, 320) is officially in his first NFL season out of Alabama. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 and has spent time on the Ravens’, Commanders’ and Panthers’ practice squads. He will wear No. 61.
“Cooper (6-5, 280) is in his rookie season out of Houston. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions and spent time on their practice squad this season. He will wear No. 66.”
Ethan Pocic Loss Hurts Front
The loss of Pocic was he big news for the Browns on the injury front, especially because of the poor timing. He is heading into free agency but will likely need a full year to get back on the field, meaning he could be without a job for the 2026 season. He is in the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract with Cleveland.
Spotrac projected him to warrant a three-year, $33 million contract in free agency this offseason.
Said coach Kevin Stefanski this week: “He’s getting surgery, he tore his Achilles. So obviously feeling for Ethan. He’s a huge part of our team, of our offense. We’ve relied heavily on him, having a veteran center in there. So disappointed for him, but I know he will bounce back. He’s got the right attitude, as you guys would imagine, but disappointed for Ethan.”
Browns Have Shedeur Sanders-Luke Wypler Connection
As for the Browns’ replacement, Wypler, he has had the advantage of working with the second team throughout the season, which means he’s been the primary snapper for Shedeur Sanders. That figures to make for a smooth transition now that Sanders is starting, too, though Stefanski downplayed that on Monday.
“I think Luke’s somebody that, when you’re playing that position, the center position, we put a lot on your plate and when you’re working with Po and you’re Po’s backup, you really have to lock in and understand all that,” Stefanski said.
“And Luke has worked very hard, so he’s done a nice job of making sure he’s ready to roll in any instance that we may need him. And I think he’ll be ready to roll in this one.”
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