Jack Conklin kept Deshaun Watson from harm. Cleveland's starting right tackle sustained a “major” left knee injury in the first half of Sunday's win over Cincinnati and will miss the remainder of the season, a major personal blow and significant one for the Browns. Conklin, who returned last season from a severe injury to his right knee, tore two ligaments when he was inadvertently rolled up on by Bengals end Trey Hendrickson at the end of a pass play in the first half of the Browns' 24-3 season
The Browns could be missing a top defensive player when they open against one of the NFL's most potent offenses. Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward remained in concussion protocol and missed practice Monday, putting his availability for Sunday's season opener against quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in question. Ward has been sidelined since suffering a head injury — the fourth reported concussion of his NFL career — in Cleveland's exhibition game at Kansas City on Aug. 25.
Jakeem Grant Sr.'s inspiring comeback with the Browns came to an abrupt, painful stop. Grant, who was signed last year to fix Cleveland's return game, will miss his second straight season with an injury after hurting his right knee on the opening kickoff in Saturday's exhibition game in Kansas City. Grant had worked his way back from an Achilles tendon tear only to suffer another major injury the first time he touched the ball for Cleveland in a game.
Jakeem Grant Sr.'s inspiring comeback with the Browns came to an abrupt, painful stop. Grant, who was signed last year to fix Cleveland's return game, will miss his second straight season with an injury after hurting his right knee on the opening kickoff in Saturday's exhibition game in Kansas City. Grant had worked his way back from an Achilles tendon tear only to suffer another major injury the first time he touched the ball for Cleveland in a game.
For the second straight year, Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips has suffered a season-ending pectoral injury. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Phillips tore the chest muscle during Friday night's preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Phillips, a third-round pick in 2020 from LSU, sustained a similar injury during the 2022 regular season against Baltimore.