The Browns face a season-defining O-line shakeup after Dawand Jones’ season-ending knee surgery in Week 3. Jones’s injury adds to a troubling knee history and leaves Cleveland looking for reliable, affordable depth as Conklin battles injuries and a veteran-packed line ages. Cornelius Lucas steps in as the lead swing tackle while rookie KT Leveston adds depth. With Bitonio, Teller and Pocic all free agents soon, Cleveland must weigh long-term restructuring against short-term continuity. The search for younger, cheaper linemen starts now.

The Browns are poised to carry four quarterbacks into the regular season, with Sanders set as QB4 behind Flacco, Gabriel and Pickett. Flacco led a measured preseason drive that produced a TD to Harold Fannin Jr., while Gabriel impressed in relief and Sanders showed upside in limited action. A knee injury to center Ethan Pocic could push the depth chart and early-season protection into flux. The four-QB strategy shapes early fantasy expectations at quarterback for Cleveland.

The Browns’ preseason matchup with the Rams ended with Ethan Pocic exiting early due to a knee issue, casting a temporary shadow over Cleveland’s interior line. Luke Wypler stepped in and looked decisive, returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him in 2024. Wypler has impressed this preseason and is in line to absorb the majority of center reps if Pocic’s timetable pushes into the regular season, giving Cleveland credible interior depth.

Wypler’s continued readiness could stabilize the Browns’ blocking scheme early, with potential fantasy implications for the run game and pass protection depending on Pocic’s recovery. The situation keeps a close watch on center snaps as the roster rides through August and into Week 1 planning.