In less than two weeks the Cleveland Browns will open the 2024 season hosting the Dallas Cowboys on a Fox Network nationally televised game. The strategy and idea this offseason was for the team to be healthy and ready for week 1 in the 2024 season. And that strategy on paper appears to have paid off for the Browns.

A list of players coming off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list injected reinforcements to the Browns roster. The defense got back starters DT Dalvin Thomlinson and CB Greg Newsome II. The offensive tackles were helped with the return of Jack Conklin and Jed Wills. Although Jed Wills is not practicing yet. Other players coming off injury list include LB Jordan Hicks, S D ‘Anthony Bell, and OT James Hudson. The offensive tackle position was a concern for the Browns when closing out the preseason. These players coming back was a welcome influx of depth at what seems like the perfect time.

After having the rash of injuries in 2023, the Cleveland Browns by pure necessity had to take a different approach with players health. Many of the injuries from the 2023 season did carry over into 2024 training camp. With overall team health being the priority for week 1 against Dallas. The Cleveland Browns sat starters and impact players in the 3 preseason games. They did this despite the criticism of players starting the season with rust. However, the payers did practice when healthy enough to participate. At this time, it appears that the Browns did the right thing by being cautious with players health.

As I write this article the Cleveland Browns are 2.5-point favorite over the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener according to Vegas Insiders website. This is no surprise considering the game is in Cleveland. And the Browns are healthy. Before 2022 the Cleveland Browns lost 18 consecutive season opening games. This season the Browns can win 3 season opening games in a row for the first time since 1988-1990. In those days the Cleveland Browns were expected to make the playoffs. And this season is no different.