The Cleveland Browns are facing a significant setback as their star Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller could be headed to injured reserve with a knee injury, while their All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett remains day-to-day with a foot injury.
In a press briefing on Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski shared that the team is anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI on Teller’s knee, injured during Sunday’s heart-wrenching loss to the New York Giants. Regardless of the MRI results, Stefanski confirmed, Teller is expected to miss several weeks. Teller’s knee took the hit in the third quarter of a fiercely competitive game.
Garrett, meanwhile, also underwent an MRI to assess the extent of his foot injury.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Browns also lost key players in left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and right tackle James Hudson III in the same fateful third quarter. Unfortunately, Coach Stefanski did not have any updates on their conditions at this time.
In a bold series of moves, the Browns restructured their offensive line mid-game: Joel Bitonio shifted from left guard to left tackle, Ethan Pocic took over at left guard, and Nick Harris slotted in at center. Rookie Zak Zinter filled in for Teller at right guard, while Dawand Jones stepped up to replace Hudson at right tackle.
The 28-year-old Garrett, an absolute dynamo on the defensive line, has already racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles this season. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler boasts a stunning career total of 90.5 sacks, making him an irreplaceable asset to the Browns’ defense.
On the offensive side, the 29-year-old Teller, who has started 78 of his 86 games with the Browns and former team Buffalo Bills, has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2021 to 2023, underscoring his invaluable presence on the offensive line.
The Browns, now standing at 1-2, face a challenging stretch ahead as they gear up for the first of three consecutive road games this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, also sitting at 1-2. The upcoming clash promises to be a test of resilience and depth for this Browns squad.
Despite the injuries and setbacks, the passion and effort remain undeterred. The Browns are ready to rise to the challenge and prove their mettle on the road ahead!
