Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. back at practice, could face Cowboys in opener

AP Sports Writer

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns are heading into their opener against the Dallas Cowboys as healthy as they’ve been in months.

The team said all 53 players on the active roster will practice Wednesday, including starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who has been sidelined since undergoing season-ending knee surgery in December.

Wills’ absence has been a concern for the Browns, who will have to deal with Dallas’ tough defense led by All-Pro rusher Micah Parsons.

Wills, who has made 53 starts in four seasons with Cleveland, has been limited to working on the side during training camp and the preseason. The 2020 first-round pick made just eight starts last season before getting hurt in November.

He had surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament. Wills had been expected to return sooner, and is just now ready.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wills will practice and said it’s possible he could face the Cowboys on Sunday. However, Stefanski would not commit to Wills starting at left tackle if he’s healthy.

“Let’s get through today,” he said.

With Wills’ playing status unclear, the Browns have toyed with moving right tackle Jack Conklin to the left side, where he played at Michigan State. Conklin is coming back from a season-ending knee injury suffered in last year’s opener. He had reconstructive surgery and only returned to the field last week.

James Hudson III is another option for Cleveland at left tackle. Dawand Jones filled in as a rookie when Conklin got hurt and had a strong 2023 season.

Wide receiver David Bell is also back at practice after sustaining a quadriceps injury against Green Bay on Aug. 10.

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