As the Browns took to the practice field in preparation for Week 1 against the Cowboys, their entire active roster participated in practice in some capacity.
That included LT Jedrick Wills Jr., who returned to practice Wednesday afternoon for the first time since he suffered a knee injury in Week 9 during the 2023 season. During the open portion of practice to media, Wills participated in individual drills with the offensive line and with the tight ends, focused on blocking.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that there is a chance Wills will play in Week 1 but said "let's get through today" when asked about Wills' ability to start.
"Jed has worked very, very hard throughout this entire rehab," Stefanski said. "He wants to be out there. You just have to make sure that you're taking every day and taking in the information and how he's feeling and those type of things."
Wills first sustained the knee injury in Week 9 against the Cardinals and was later placed on injured reserve on Nov. 7, 2023. The Browns then announced on Dec. 12, 2023, that Wills underwent arthroscopic knee surgery that was considered a success, and was out for a remainder of the season.
Wills said that his preparation off the field as he was rehabbing helped him stay ready should he have the chance to play on Sunday.
"Yeah, whenever you can't practice, mental reps are everything," Wills said. "It was a little transition, like it was new not being able to go through camp and practice and stuff like that, but I don't feel like I've been left behind or anything."
As the Browns prepare to face a talented pass rush, led by LB Micah Parsons, protecting QB Deshaun Watsonwill be of the utmost importance. Watson has confidence in his offensive line, no matter who starts at tackle.
The Browns currently have four tackles on their active roster in Wills, Jack Conklin, James Hudson III and Dawand Jones. Hudson and Jones got plenty of work throughout training camp and the preseason. Hudson has started 14 games for the Browns in his three years with the team and Jones took over at right tackle last season after Conklin's Week 1 injury.
"Of course, it can be James [Hudson III], it can be Jack, whoever is in is gonna play at a high level," Watson said. "I have trust in both of those guys and whoever is in that rotation. We'll just have to see Sunday who we roll out there with and whoever we roll out there with is going to play at a high level with the other four guys and we're going to be ready to roll."
