The Cleveland Browns have bolstered their lineup ahead of their highly anticipated Week 1 clash against the Dallas Cowboys by activating several pivotal players. This includes the return of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, who is set to participate in practices for the first time this summer. Conklin's journey back to the field comes following a severe knee injury sustained last year in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, an event that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Over the past three years, Conklin has endured a challenging period, missing a total of 29 regular season games.
In Conklin's absence, Dawand Jones had briefly held the fort before suffering a season-ending injury himself. The Browns have relied on Jedrick Wills Jr. during this turbulent period, but Wills, too, has had his share of setbacks. Coming off knee surgery, he missed the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to Houston last year. During his recovery, the team turned to Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson to secure the left tackle position. Now, with Wills and Conklin both passing their physical examinations, the offensive line appears to be regaining its strength.
Bolstering the Browns' defensive unit, Greg Newsome II has also returned to action. Newsome had a challenging previous season, missing three games due to a hamstring injury. His comeback is timely, as the defense will continue to operate without Denzel Ward, who remains in concussion protocol. Alongside Newsome, D'Anthony Bell, who recorded two interceptions last season, adds further depth and stability to the secondary lineup.
The Browns’ acquisition of Dalvin Tomlinson from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency further strengthens their defensive front. Tomlinson’s inclusion in the lineup comes at a critical moment as the team is set to navigate the season without standout running back Nick Chubb for the first four weeks. Chubb remains sidelined on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, leaving a significant gap in the offense that the Browns will need to address creatively.
While Chubb’s absence is a substantial blow, the team faces additional roster maneuverings. Rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is anticipated to be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and the Browns have already announced their first series of roster cuts, reducing their squad to 76 players. By Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the team must finalize its active roster, trimming it down to 53 players. This creates an intense and high-pressure environment for both players and coaching staff as they finalize their strategic lineup for the upcoming season.
Overall, the Browns' preparation for the season opener against the Cowboys underscores their resilience and strategic depth. With key players back on the field and crucial roster decisions on the horizon, the team will look to capitalize on its regained strength and deliver a strong performance in Week 1. As always, the return of high-caliber athletes like Conklin, Wills, Newsome, and the newly acquired Tomlinson will play an essential role in driving the Browns' quest for playoff contention in the 2023 season.