More bad news for the position group that has struggled to stay healthy.
The Cleveland Browns are putting the final touches on their offseason plan as they prepare to begin discussions with agents at the NFL Scouting Combine next week. One position already marked as a need may have just become more urgent. Thankfully, the Browns are expected to have 12 selections in this year’s NFL draft to fill needs.
Offensive tackle now becomes the biggest priority other than quarterback after it’s being reported that Dawand Jones recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to address a lingering issue he played through last season, a league source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. While he is expected to be ready for camp, conditioning concerns and the Browns general caution with injuries could delay that.
Browns OT Dawand Jones recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to address a lingering issue he played through last year, per source. Jones, a promising young tackle who has started 17 games, will get off crutches to begin running soon and will be ready for camp, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 20, 2025
Jones is a former fourth-round pick who has started 17 games but has had each of his first two seasons cut short by season-ending injuries. He was already rehabbing from a fractured fibula he suffered late in the season.
Apparently, the lingering issue with the knee hasn’t resolved with time off and while it’s not ideal, opting to have the surgery now will hopefully give him time to be ready for the season.
According to Fowler’s source, Jones will get off crutches to begin running soon and should be ready for training camp. While we hope that Jones makes a full recovery, one of the concerns surrounding a player of his size is that leg injuries can pile up.
The Browns will now have to find more depth at the position as it’s hard to rely on Jones for too much moving forward.
How do you feel about this news? Does it alter the Browns’ plan for the offseason? Let us know in the comments below.