Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin is done for the year and his future with the franchise is a significant question moving forward.
The Browns have placed Conklin on injured reserve with a concussion he suffered in Week 13, ending his season prematurely. Cleveland signed safety Christopher Edmonds to fill the empty roster spot.
For Conklin, it’s the latest bit of tough news in what has been a trying couple of years. The 31-year-old former All-Pro has missed 30 out of 51 regular-season games since the 2023 season because of injury. He signed a four-year, $60 million extension in December of 2022. The sides restructured that contract this offseason. It makes him a free agent at the end of this season.
The Browns face uncertainty at the offensive line heading into next season. But it seems unlikely that Conklin will return, given his injury history and age (31).
Browns Guard Wyatt Teller Also Out Against Bills
Guard Joel Bitonio is the lone member of the opening day starting offensive line still available. Conklin, center Ethan Pocic and left tackle Dawand Jones are all done for the year.
Guard Wyatt Teller is not on injured reserve but will miss his third consecutive game with a calf injury as the Browns take on the Bills. Teller’s situation has been curious. Despite being a pillar of the offensive line with his mauling style, the Browns decided to rotate the Pro Bowler with Teven Jenkins.
Like Conklin, Teller’s contract is also up at the end of the season. He was part of trade rumors around the deadline but expressed that he wants to remain in Cleveland as long as possible.
“I don’t want to tuck tail and leave because I feel like a couple years ago we were that close to being in the AFC Championship,” Teller said in November. “That’s just mindboggling for any Cleveland Browns fan. Because it’s just been since the ’80s since we’ve done it. We used to do it consistently, so how can we bring that culture back that goes to the playoffs, that has a winning team, that it’s not the same old Cleveland Browns?
“And I feel like we were right there and then just kind of took a step back. But I’m not blind to the fact that we’re right there. And again, as bad as the season is viewed or perceived, we’re like two or three plays away from a lot different season. Now how can we be more consistent and win, and that’s what good teams do late.”
Browns Star Joel Bitonio ‘Rock’ on Line
Bitonio weighed retirement this offseason but decided to return for a 12th season with the Browns. The 34-year-old has stayed healthy this season and has been a “rock” for the team as a leader.
“He’s a rock that everybody leans on,” defensive end Myles Garrett said. “He’s just steady and consistent. He’s always the same.”
Browns offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren echoed that sentiment.
“His ability, because of his experience, to just jump in there on Sundays and do his job when he couldn’t walk on a Tuesday is crazy,” Bloomgren said. “I’m just blown away by him every week, the way that he fights for the Browns and his teammates.”
The Browns will face the Bills on Sunday and wrap up their season with games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
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