Browns’ veteran Pro Bowler could make a position change to start the season vs. Cowboys because of a need

Week 1 of the NFL season is here and we are just days away from the Cleveland Browns hosting the Dallas Cowboys to open the season.

When the Browns do open the season, there is a chance that Pro Bowl tackle Jack Conklin makes a position change. Jedrick Wills Jr. did not practice on Monday, as he continues to recover from his knee injury and that leaves the door open for Conklin to step in. Following practice, Kevin Stefanski gave a coach’s answer on the situation.

“I would just tell you we have options there and we’re going to work through our options,” said the head coach.

Conklin has taken left tackle reps in individual work and could work with the team on the left side this week. In four seasons, Conklin has started all 37 games he has played in for Cleveland on the right side. At this point, it would be tough to see Wills come back after months off and start against the Cowboys in Week 1 with just three days or less of practice. The Cowboys bring the threat of Micah Parsons, who is tough to handle for any offensive line.

When it comes to where Wills stands, he is still eyeing a return that appears to be soon.

“I wouldn’t call it a setback. I’d say with any injury that you’re rehabbing; you have to just treat it how it’s responding and those types of things. So, no, I wouldn’t say a specific setback, but you know, he wants to be out here last month. I mean, he wanted to be out here two months ago, but just going to continue to treat him and make sure that we’re doing what is right medically.”

Conklin was taken off of the PUP last week and hasn’t played since the first game of the 2023 season against the Cincinnati Bengal s. An ideal offensive line could have Conklin on the left side, where he played in college — then it would have Dawand Jones handling things on the right side.

More clarity will be given as the week goes on, but it at least appears that a position change is on the table for Conklin to open the season.

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