As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their Week 1 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, the team has made several strategic adjustments to accommodate returning players. Among those activated are critical figures such as Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson, all of whom have passed their physical examinations.
Jack Conklin's return to the field is particularly significant. The former All-Pro right tackle is back after a season-ending knee injury suffered last year against the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the past three seasons, Conklin has missed 29 regular season games, and his return marks the first time he will join practice with the team this summer. His absence has been deeply felt, with Dawand Jones temporarily stepping in before unfortunately suffering his own season-ending injury.
Jedrick Wills Jr.'s return also adds a layer of depth and experience to the offensive line. Wills Jr. underwent knee surgery last season, causing him to miss the final nine games of the regular season as well as the playoff loss to Houston. In his absence, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have been filling in at left tackle. The collective effort of these players has kept the offensive line functional, but Wills Jr.'s return will undeniably bolster the unit.
Meanwhile, Greg Newsome II, who missed three games last year due to a hamstring injury, is back in action. His presence is particularly urgent as Denzel Ward remains in concussion protocol. Newsome's return will be crucial for the Browns' secondary, giving the team an added layer of reassurance on the defensive side of the ball. D'Anthony Bell's activation also supports this segment of the team; known for his ball-hawking skills, Bell recorded two interceptions last season.
Dalvin Tomlinson is another major addition, having been signed from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency. His inclusion promises to fortify the defensive line and elevate the Browns' pass-rushing capabilities. As a proven talent, his role will be crucial as the Browns navigate through an intensely competitive season.
However, the team will start the season without Nick Chubb, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. Chubb, who will be sidelined for the first four weeks of the regular season, is a significant loss for the Browns' offensive arsenal. Without their star running back, the onus will be on the rest of the roster to step up and fill this critical gap.
The Browns are also expected to place rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. on the Commissioner's Exempt List. While this decision narrows the roster, it allows the team to maintain focus on players who are match-ready and fit to compete from the outset.
As the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline approaches, the Browns have already made their first series of roster cuts, bringing their roster down to 76 players. They will need to further trim their active roster to 53 players, a task that requires balancing potential and readiness.
The upcoming match against the Dallas Cowboys will be a litmus test for the revamped Browns squad. With key players returning and new additions integrated into the roster, the Browns are poised for a promising start. The coaching staff will have to strategize meticulously to leverage the strengths of the freshly activated players while managing the absence of pivotal figures like Nick Chubb.
The confluence of experienced and new players signifies a moment of transformation for the Browns. If the activated players can perform at their peak, Cleveland's trajectory for this season could defy expectations and chart a course for success. The eyes of the Browns' fandom will be keenly watching as they face off against the Cowboys, eagerly anticipating a reinvigorated team ready to carve its path in the NFL.