Conklin Feared to be Out for Season
The Cleveland Browns put in an impressive performance to earn a 24-3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately for the team, they appear to have lost a key starter on the offensive line for the remainder of the year according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
On an awkward play near the end of the first quarter, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson created pressure against Browns left tackle Jed Wills and was blocked to the ground where he rolled into Conklin's legs. Conklin went down immediately in what appeared to be excruciating pain. He would be carted off the field moments later which is never a good sign.
After the game it sure sounded like Head Coach Kevin Stefanski wasn't expecting any good news in regard to Conklin. "You hope but that doesn't look good, I feel absolutely awful for Jack." When asked about Conklin coming back this season Stefanski responded, "yeah, it just didn't look good, obviously you wait for the imaging on those things, the early tests are not good."
Rookie offensive tackle Dawand Jones came into replace him at right tackle and will presumably become the starter at the position. He appeared to be solid in relief, especially in pass protection. If Conklin does move to injured reserve the team will have to look for additional tackle depth elsewhere. James Hudson becomes the swing tackle as a backup and the team did recently sign Alex Leatherwood to the practice squad.
I would assume they would prefer to work with Leatherwood as a project to be molded this season from the practice squad. The Browns traded away Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to the Patriots at the end of the preseason as well.
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