Browns offensive lineman suffers major setback that could influence how they handle the offseason

Injuries were a common theme for the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season, especially on the offensive side of the football. With Deshaun Watson tearing his Achilles Tendon and a multitude of injuries on the offensive line, it was a tough year for Kevin Stefanski's team. One of the biggest issues for the Browns was […]

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) and guard Wyatt Teller (77) wait for the snap during the first half against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Injuries were a common theme for the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season, especially on the offensive side of the football. With Deshaun Watson tearing his Achilles Tendon and a multitude of injuries on the offensive line, it was a tough year for Kevin Stefanski's team.

One of the biggest issues for the Browns was on the offensive line. Tackle was a tough spot across the board, dealing with multiple injuries. One of those was to Dawand Jones. He broke his leg against the New Orleans Saints and missed the rest of the season.


Dawand Jones has surgery

Having dealt with a broken leg that ended his season, Jones appears to have more that he's dealing with. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday that Jones had surgery to address a separate injury: a knee issue that hindered him throughout the season.


Jones was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and he's a mammoth of a man. He stands at 6'-8, 375 lbs and is a great mover of men. Having leg injuries when you are that size is something that can be hard to overcome. It's definitely concerning for the Browns, especially considering their tackle issues.

The Browns could be in the market for two offensive tackles this offseason. They are very unlikely to retain Jedrick Wills with his rookie contract expiring. Plus, Jack Conklin has suffered two significant knee injuries and is getting older.

The Browns do have the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, but taking an offensive lineman there would not be getting good value with the selection, as the top offensive tackle should go around pick 8-10, not at pick two.

The timetable for Jones' recovery is currently unknown, but the way that Fowler frames the surgery likely means Jones will be back for training camp.