The Cleveland Browns have quickly gone from trying to keep their key players healthy to, possibly, having to rely on their third left tackle by Week 2.
Jedrick Wills went out during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 and was replaced by veteran Chris Hubbard. The team got good news when Wills’ injury was not significant and listed him as day-to-day to start the week.
Then came news that Hubbard had a triceps injury that was limiting him during the ramp-up to their Week 2 matchup with the Houston Texans. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt noted on Thursday that rookie James Hudson III was being prepared to step in if Wills and Hubbard could not play Sunday.
Today, we find out that Hubbard is out for Sunday’s game, joining Odell Beckham Jr., while Wills is listed as questionable along with fellow offensive lineman Michael Dunn:
#Browns injury report
Out: Beckham, Hubbard
Questionable: Dunn, Hill, Schwartz, Tretter, Wills— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) September 17, 2021
Blake Hance could also be used at tackle if the Browns are not comfortable with Hudson’s development as a rookie. As noted in the previous article, Hudson graded poorly with Pro Football Focus during the preseason but was much better as a run blocker.
Possibly starting their third-string left tackle by Week 2 is not the start Cleveland wanted but their next three opponents are not expected to be difficult games. Losing Baker Mayfield’s blind side protector could change that perception.