Dawand Jones went down midway through the Browns’ Week 11 contest. The second-year offensive tackle had an air cast applied before being carted off the field, and he was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. 
Jones suffered a fractured ankle, head coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). Surgery will be required, and the 23-year-old will be out for the remainder of the campaign as a result. This news marks another blow to Cleveland’s offensive line.
The team selected Jones in the fourth round last year, but he saw considerable time as a rookie. Jack Conklin‘s absence vacated the starting right tackle spot, and Jones made 11 total appearances and seven starts. His play resulted in a strong PFF evaluation for pass protection but left plenty of room for improvement in the run-blocking department. With a number of changes being made up front this year, Jones has had plenty of playing time.
The Ohio State product had logged a 77% snap share heading into Sunday’s action, with right tackle once again being his primary position. Jones had also seen time on the blindside, and that could have remained the case moving forward depending on the status of Jedrick Wills. Wills was demoted recently as he continues to recover from the MCL injury which ended his 2023 season. The former first-rounder’s absence for Week 8 was a talking point over the past several days, and remaining a second-string option would have left the door open to Jones handling starting duties.
Now, Jones’ attention will turn to recovery ahead of the 2025 campaign. Two years remain on his rookie contract, so he will still have the opportunity to carve out a full-time starting gig at either tackle spot once healthy. This news will likely force Wills back into the starting lineup to close out the campaign, a crucial stretch given his status as a pending free agent.
Cleveland’s loss to New Orleans on Sunday leaves the team with a 2-8 record. With the postseason not in reach, individual performances will be key down the stretch. Wills in particular will be worth watching as the Browns contemplate their tackle setup for next year.