Browns have a real worry brewing ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Steelers in AFC North action
Cleveland Browns have an injury worry brewing ahead of their Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Cleveland Browns are 2-1 and heading into a Thursday Night Football showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers that carries early-season AFC North implications.
Pittsburgh brings the same 2-1 record to Cleveland for a primetime matchup, and the Browns have a significant concern along the offensive line heading into the game.
Elgton Jenkins listed as DNP with concussion
The Browns held a walkthrough Monday instead of a full practice, but they still released an estimated participation report. Center Elgton Jenkins was listed as a did not participate with a concussion suffered against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
If Jenkins is unable to go, it would be a substantial loss for the Browns. The veteran center was Cleveland’s free agent acquisition from the Green Bay Packers, and the drop-off behind him on the depth chart is notable. Jenkins has a couple of days to clear the concussion protocol, but with a Thursday night game, that timeline is tight.
If Jenkins cannot suit up, Cleveland is likely to turn to center Luke Wypler. Wypler has made five career starts for the Browns across four seasons with the team, all of which came in 2025. Behind Wypler, Alabama rookie Parker Brailsford would serve as the next man up.
That depth chart faces a tough test against Pittsburgh’s interior defensive front. Cam Heyward, at 37 years old, is still playing at a high level and getting the job done in the NFL. Throwing Wypler into a primetime start against the Steelers on shortened preparation time is a difficult ask.
Pittsburgh’s defensive front is always among the league’s best, led by TJ Watt and Heyward. The Browns need their offensive line operating at full strength to handle that kind of pressure, and losing their starting center would create a real vulnerability in a divisional game with stakes this early in the season.
The Browns will hope they can get their veteran center back for Thursday’s game against the Steelers. It doesn’t necessarily look promising, though. If Jenkins can’t go, the center position will be one to watch during Thursday night’s AFC North clash for a team who has struggled to run the ball especially.
