The Cleveland Browns offensive line has struggled during the first three games of the season. While quarterback Deshaun Watson needs to improve, the Browns’ offensive line hasn’t helped him.
In Week 3, the New York Giants tallied 17 quarterback hits against Watson and the Cleveland Browns. That occurred only two games after the Browns allowed the Dallas Cowboys to hit Watson 17 times.
Following injuries to Jedrick Wills Jr., Wyatt Teller, and James Hudson III, the Browns’ need for an improved offensive line has grown even more urgent. Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department recommended that they improve it, identifying two-time Super Bowl champion Donovan Smith as a “add now” player.
“The hits keep coming for the Cleveland Browns’ offensive line. Wyatt Teller, James Hudson, and Jedrick Wills were all injured on Sunday, leaving the Browns with an offensive line dilemma,” BR noted on September 23. “It will be difficult for this offence to get back on track unless they can get some reinforcements as quickly as possible.
“Donovan Smith had his share of struggles with the Chiefs last season, but he’s still an experienced option who could make a few spot starts for the Browns this season.”
Latest updates on Wills, Teller, and Hudson.
The Cleveland Browns lost Wills, Teller, and Hudson in the same game against the New York Giants.
The severity of their injuries is unknown, but ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi claimed that head coach Kevin Stefanski stated they’ll all be tested.
“Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said that three offensive linemen the Browns lost to injury — left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., Wyatt Teller and James Hudson III — will also undergo testing to determine the extent of their ailments,” Oyefusi reported on Sept. 22.
Depending on the results of the tests, the Browns may be interested in signing an emergency offensive lineman.
The Browns were suggested to add Smith before the season.
Wills has dealt with injuries in 2023, appearing in only eight games for the Cleveland Browns. Jack Conklin, a two-time All-Pro, has also struggled with injuries, appearing in only one game in 2023. He has yet to appear in a game in 2024.
With those injuries in mind, Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey stated that the Browns “must target” Smith in August.
“Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin are both expected to be ready for the regular season, but each starter missed time in 2023 with injuries,” Tansey reported on Tuesday, August 5. “Donovan Smith is one of the better offensive linemen on the free agent market, and the Browns should consider him.
“Cleveland may not need Smith in a few weeks if Wills and Conklin are back in starting-caliber form, but right now, the Browns should explore all of their options in case a setback occurs so that they can properly protect Deshaun Watson starting in Week 1.”
Even if Wills, Teller, and Hudson do not have any injuries that will hold them out of games, the Browns still need to improve at the position.
Smith, who is 31 years old, may provide them with a seasoned veteran who has performed in crucial times.
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