Browns rule out starting OTs, TE David Njoku

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th September, 13:37 2024

Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Elijah Chatman (94) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Three starting offensive linemen are not available for the Cleveland Browns when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders.

Left tackle Jedrick Willis, right tackle Jack Conklin and tight end David Njoku were ruled out by Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, days after right guard Wyatt Teller was placed on injured reserve with a sprained knee.

Willis has a knee injury and Conklin, a two-time All-Pro, was close to returning from a 2023 knee injury for the first time before a minor hamstring injury prompted the Browns to hold him out.

Njoku is out for the third straight game with an ankle sprain. He hasn't played since Week 1 and attempted to get back on the practice field Thursday before missing Friday's session.

Rookie third-round pick Zak Zinter replaced Teller last week in the loss to the New York Giants, when Willis re-injured the same knee that required surgery in December.

Protection is a pressing concern as Cleveland (1-2) rolls the dice with multiple backups at Las Vegas.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-worst 16 times in three games with two interceptions and two lost fumbles. Watson has been hit 42 times.

Stefanski said he's not ready to disclose lineup changes and would take until Sunday to determine the ideal alignment in front of Watson.

Veteran tackle Germain Ifedi was signed to the active roster from the practice squad this week.

--Field Level Media