Cleveland rests Watson and several starters in the preseason finale against the Rams, elevating depth players and shifting targets in the passing game. Expect backups to see meaningful reps (roughly 25-30 snaps for those who do play) and for Cedric Tillman and David Bell to audition behind limited top targets. Rookies and depth linemen will also get a closer look as Cleveland evaluates its rotation and roster battles.

Fantasy bettors should monitor how the Browns distribute snaps and targets behind the absent stars. The absence of Ward and Garrett could open opportunities for Rams pass-catchers and Browns depth pieces, while the offensive line rotation may shape timing and rushing lanes. This game doubles as a live-audit for Cleveland’s depth and the players most likely to contribute in Week 1.

Browns plan to play a large slice of their starters in the preseason finale vs Rams, but several key names aren’t expected to see action. Garrett, Ward, Bitonio and Newsome II will be in uniform but limited, while Watson is down as well. Tillman and Lucas join the inactive list. That leaves Cleveland’s depth chart to bear more load, particularly at wide receiver where David Bell is listed to contribute. Rams will face a partially rested offense and a wider rotation, elevating late-round and DFS options for both sides in a game that doubles as depth testing for Week 1.

Cornelius Lucas exited Cleveland’s preseason tilt with Philadelphia in the second quarter after an ankle injury, testing the joint on the sideline before heading to the locker room. Undrafted rookie Jason Ivey replaced him, giving the Browns a crucial look at depth on the offensive line in a game that carries significance beyond August.

Lucas, a 12-year veteran signed to a two-year deal, is a mammoth 6-foot-9 addition backing Dawand Jones. With most starters on expiring contracts, Cleveland has poured resources into the line to prepare for next year. Ivey’s performance will determine how quickly the Browns rely on youth and how Jones develops as the lone long-term anchor, shaping the team’s depth chart for 2025.

The injury emphasizes Cleveland’s priority: identify reliable reserves behind Jones while continuing to groom a young, flexible line. If Ivey can hold his own, the Browns could rotate depth pieces and preserve Jones’s development timeline, influencing both real-world line protection and fantasy considerations for Browns’ back-end blockers in deeper formats.

The Cleveland Browns continue to face quarterback challenges, partly due to significant issues in their offensive line. Over the past two seasons, a staggering 66 sacks occurred while using four different starters in 2022, compared to 45 the previous year with five starters. To address this, the Browns drafted Dawand Jones from Ohio State in the fourth round of 2023. However, his performance thus far has not met expectations. Last season, he played three games at left tackle before a fractured fibula ended his season, earning a dismal 44.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. With his future uncertain, veteran Cornelius Lucas may have to step in if Jones struggles again.

The Washington Commanders have announced that newly acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil will wear the number 78 in the 2025 season, following his trade from the Houston Texans. This number was vacated after Cornelius Lucas signed with the Cleveland Browns. Lucas sported 78 during his five-year tenure with Washington, showcasing his versatility as a swing tackle and starting in multiple games throughout his career. Tunsil, a former first-round pick, previously wore the same number with the Texans and is expected to enhance the offensive line’s performance, which struggled last season.

Throughout Commanders history, the number 78 has been worn by several notable players, including Hall of Famer Bruce Smith and Kory Lichtensteiger. With Tunsil's arrival, expectations are high for improved protection for the quarterback and a stronger running game. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how Tunsil's skill set will impact the Commanders' offensive strategies moving forward.