In 2023 the Cleveland Browns lost their three top offensive tackles due to injuries. Left tackle Jed Wills, right tackle Jack Conklin, and right tackle Dewand Jones were all lost for the 2023 season due to knee injuries. In 2023 the Cleveland Browns were forced to start Geron Christian at left tackle and James Hudson at right tackle. Despite having to start their 3rd and 4th offensive tackles, the Cleveland Browns finished the 2023 season with an 11-6 record and an AFC wildcard playoff berth. The overall injuries did catch up to the Browns in the playoffs and they lost the AFC Wildcard game in Houston 45-14. The injuries at offensive tackle are still lingering for the Cleveland Browns 2024 training camp.

The Browns are about to play their third and final preseason game in Seattle on August 24th. And both Jed Wills and Jack Conklin are still on the PUP list. Neither player has yet to practice in training camp. It was rumored that Wills will be set return soon. But no return date has been set. There have been no updates on Conklin’s return.  Throughout training camp James Hudson has been taking practice reps in training camp. He was matched up against defensive end Myles Garrett. It did not go well for Hudson. And the Browns lost Hudson to a knee injury in the last preseason game against the Vikings. Two other reserve tackles were injured in the game as well. At this point, how can the Browns fix this problem?

Rumors are circulating the backup quarterback Dorian Thomson-Robinson is on the trading block for the Browns. Speculation is that GM Andrew Berry could trade for viable backup offensive tackle. But no trade has been finalized as I write this article. In Seattle back up tackle Germain Ifedi is expected to start for the Browns. His hand injury was minor against the Vikings. For the season opener against Dallas, Jed Wills would have to be back by next week. Wills would need at least two weeks of practice to be ready to play. So, is a trade imminent? Is it time to panic? Not necessarily, the Browns front office know exactly were both Wills and Conklin are in the rehabilitation program. A trade for an insurance policy at tackle is possible. But Andrew Berry will not be hasty in a trade. The current Browns front office has earned the benefit of the doubt. They haven’t been perfect in all their decisions. But they haven’t been foolish either.