The Cleveland Browns have activated key players ahead of their Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys, a crucial step as they seek to improve on last season's performance. Several players, including Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, D'Anthony Bell, Greg Newsome II, and Dalvin Tomlinson, have passed their physical examinations, signaling their readiness for the upcoming season.
Jack Conklin's return is particularly noteworthy. Conklin, who sustained a season-ending knee injury last year against the Cincinnati Bengals, has missed 29 regular-season games over the past three seasons. His participation in practice this summer marks the first time he will rejoin his teammates since his injury. Limping toward the end of last season, the Browns had Dawand Jones temporarily filling in for Conklin until Jones himself suffered a season-ending injury. The stability of Conklin on the offensive line is something the team dearly missed, and his return bodes well for fortifying their front.
Jedrick Wills Jr. also marks a significant return after undergoing knee surgery that sidelined him for the final nine games of the regular season and the playoff loss to Houston. In his absence, players such as Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, and rookie Lorenzo Thompson have stepped up to fill the crucial left tackle position. The ability to field a more experienced and stable offensive line should be a considerable asset to the Browns' offensive strategy.
Greg Newsome II, who missed three regular-season games last year due to a hamstring injury, is another player whose health could have a sizeable impact. With his return, the Browns' defense stands to benefit from his agility and proficiency in coverage.
Denzel Ward remains in concussion protocol, underscoring the team's ongoing challenges with player health. Nevertheless, the return of D'Anthony Bell, who had two interceptions last season, provides a much-needed boost to the secondary.
Dalvin Tomlinson, acquired from Minnesota during the 2023 free agency, now solidifies the Browns' defensive line. His presence will be felt immediately, particularly given the ongoing concerns around rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., who is expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
However, not all news is upbeat. Star running back Nick Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List and will miss the first four weeks of the regular season. Chubb's absence will undeniably leave a void in the Browns' running game, a position they have relied upon heavily in the past seasons.
The next crucial step for the Browns involves trimming their active roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The team announced its first series of roster cuts, bringing the number down to 76 players. This winnowing process will involve difficult decisions as the coaching staff evaluates which players are most capable of contributing to a successful season.
In the high-stakes world of NFL football, every player activation, injury, and roster cut can significantly alter a team's fortunes. The Browns' efforts to get their players healthy and back on the field, especially key figures like Conklin and Wills Jr., display their commitment to improvement. With several pivotal games on the horizon, the team will need to rely on both the resilience and talent of their roster.