The Cleveland Browns have made pivotal adjustments ahead of their Week 1 encounter with the Dallas Cowboys, activating several key players who cleared their physical examinations. Notable among them are Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson, who are now set to bolster the team's lineup.
Jack Conklin's return is of particular significance. The veteran lineman suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing him to miss substantial playing time. In fact, Conklin has been sidelined for 29 regular season games over the past three seasons. This summer marks his first return to practice, injecting a dose of seasoned expertise into the offensive line. Dawand Jones had stepped in for Conklin before also suffering a season-ending injury, spotlighting the team's unfortunate streak of injuries in key positions.
Jedrick Wills Jr. is another crucial player making a comeback. The left tackle underwent knee surgery which caused him to miss the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to Houston. In his absence, players Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson took turns filling the gap. Wills' return fortifies the offensive line, promising better protection for the quarterback.
On the defensive side, Greg Newsome II is back after missing three regular season games last year due to a hamstring injury. His participation is critical, especially with Denzel Ward still in the concussion protocol. In the secondary, D'Anthony Bell, who notched two interceptions last season, is also back in action. Bell's playmaking abilities in the defensive backfield are expected to add a layer of security against the Cowboys' offensive threats.
Dalvin Tomlinson, signed from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, is a welcome addition to the Browns' defensive line. His experience and skill set are anticipated to anchor the defensive front, helping to stymie the Cowboys' rushing attack.
Despite these returns, the Browns have dealt with some setbacks. Star running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season. This leaves a gap in the Browns' offensive arsenal that will need to be strategically addressed.
Rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. is expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, adding another layer of complexity to the team's roster management. The Browns are in the process of trimming their active roster to the required 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Their first round of roster cuts has already reduced the team to 76 players.
The Browns' preseason has been a mixture of rehabs and new signings, and their success in this upcoming season will largely depend on how well these returning and new players gel together. The blend of returning talent like Conklin and Wills Jr., alongside fresh faces such as Tomlinson, provides a balanced approach that the Cleveland Browns hope will steer them towards a strong start to the 2023 season.