Cleveland’s right tackle Jack Conklin returned from injury in London, delivering a reassuring performance as rookie Dillon Gabriel faced his first start. Conklin allowed only one pressure and zero sacks across 36 dropbacks, keeping Gabriel clean from the right side. With Dawand Jones sidelined, Conklin’s health becomes the linchpin for a line that’s battled injuries all year, and his presence could unlock both pass protection and a more trustworthy rushing outlook for Cleveland.

The interior trio of Bitonio, Teller and Pocic has held, but tackles have been the weak link. Cornelius Lucas, KT Leveston and Thayer Munford Jr. rotated in, while the Browns added Cam Robinson via trade to shore up depth. Penalties and continued pressure at times show work remains. If Conklin stays healthy and Robinson quickly anchors the opposite edge, Cleveland’s line could stabilize and boost Gabriel’s fantasy upside the rest of the season.

Cleveland Browns vs Minnesota Vikings: Sanders is inactive as emergency third QB, with Flacco and Dillon Gabriel ready in relief and Gabriel making his NFL debut. Cam Robinson is likely to start at left tackle after Cornelius Lucas is scratched. Conklin and Newsome II are active; Hall Jr. and Kazee are out, Munford and Zinter inactive. Vikings sideline Brian O’Neill and a slate of backups, including JJ McCarthy, Donovan Jackson, Jurgens, Van Ginkel, Yurosek and Elijah Williams. Fantasy notes center on QB depth, line shifts, and potential debut impact.

The Browns’ offensive line has been hit hard, with Dawand Jones早 season-ending injury against Green Bay and lingering questions surrounding Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin. With the front five banged up, Cleveland is weighing veteran options, notably La'el Collins, to anchor at tackle or guard and mentor the youth. The club recently added Thayer Munford Jr., but Cornelius Lucas remains a depth piece in need of stable protection for quarterback Joe Flacco. The move could shift protection and pressure dynamics, impacting both the run game and passing efficiency for fantasy owners.

As Collins circumnavigates his latest NFL chapter, fantasy players should watch how quickly he lands a starting role, his fit on either tackle spot, and whether the Browns improve pocket time and sack avoidance. A healthy Collins could elevate Browns receivers and backs by reducing hurried throws and creating clearer running lanes, making Cleveland’s offense more fantasy-friendly in a crowded division.

New England padded Week 4 depth by adding Royce Newman and Gee Scott Jr. to the practice squad, signaling a practical plan for protection and receiving help against Carolina. Newman, a veteran interior lineman with Packers and Buccaneers stops, can back up or start at guard as needed. Scott, Ohio State alum who moved from WR to TE, brings blocking and receiving versatility that could surface in two-TE looks and red-zone packages.

With Jared Wilson banged up and Hunter Henry’s knee health monitored, the Patriots are layering contingency options for Week 4. Scott’s arrival could translate into immediate two-TE alignments, while Newman provides insurance on the interior line. The Panthers’ front will test interior depth, making this roster shuffle a fantasy-adjacent storyline—potential early impact with injuries, and longer-term depth that could shape the offense’s protection and pass-game options.

Beyond New England, the week’s activity includes Mark Robinson joining the Jets at linebacker and Thayer Munford Jr. landing with the Browns at tackle, underscoring a league-wide emphasis on practice-squad depth as teams prep for Sunday action. The matchup in Foxborough presents a genuine test for interior blocking and tight-end versatility, with fantasy angles centered on run efficiency and short-to-mid-range targets.

Cleveland’s season took a hit when Dawand Jones suffered a season-ending injury, prompting the Browns to sign Thayer Munford Jr. off the New England Patriots’ practice squad to bolster the offensive line. Munford, 26, stands 6’5” and weighs 354 pounds, and brings NFL starting experience from his time with the Raiders and Patriots, plus strong local ties. He could see action sooner rather than later if injuries mount, giving Cleveland depth and flexibility up front.