After back-to-back starts at left tackle in Weeks 8 and 9, the Cleveland Browns officially announced during last week’s BYE that Dawand Jones would continue to serve as the blindside protector, the most important position on the offensive line moving forward. Jones got the starting nod against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. Unfortunately, the second-year standout couldn’t finish the game.
The Cleveland Browns standout suffered a horrific ankle injury
Dawand Jones’ third consecutive start at left tackle lasted until the second quarter. Jones suffered a horrific ankle injury after Wyatt Teller rolled into his left leg after being pushed back while blocking, and the medical staff placed an air cast on his left leg before they carted him off the field. Germain Ifedi replaced him at left tackle for the remainder of yesterday’s contest.
The injury is season-ending
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, during the postgame press conference, Kevin Stefanski announced that Dawand Jones suffered a season-ending fractured ankle/fibula to his left leg and will undergo surgery. Although he will miss the rest of 2024, there is optimism he can return in time for 2025.
#Browns Dawand Jones has a fractured ankle that will require surgery. Lost for season Stefanski said
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 17, 2024
Impact of his season-ending injury
Not having Dawand Jones for the rest of the season negatively impacts the offensive line since they lose out on an offensive lineman with eight starts at two positions because of injuries to the offensive tackle position. He started five games at RT for Jack Conklin and three at LT for Jedrick Wills Jr., as both have missed an extended period.
Finally, not having Jones for the rest of 2024 negatively impacts the offensive line since they are down to three offensive tackles on the active roster, including Wills, whose knee flared up recently, Conklin who has played six games since 2023, and Germain Ifedi. Their offensive tackle situation is far from ideal.
Who starts at LT?
If Jedrick Wills Jr. is healthy enough to play and doesn’t experience any more setbacks to last season’s knee injury, he will take over as the starting left tackle. If Wills cannot stay healthy, Germain Ifedi replaces him in the starting lineup. Another option is signing a free agent. Although the Browns have plenty of cap space and can afford to sign a free agent, it’s unlikely someone would want to play for a team contending for the 1st pick of the draft rather than a team in playoff contention.
