The Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. hyperextended his left knee on the first snap of their Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals but toughened it up and played every snap. Because of the knee injury, Wills did not play in their Week 8 upset victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, Dawand Jones, their right tackle, who started their last two games at left tackle, will continue serving as Jameis Winston’s blindside protector, and Wills will remain on the bench in the swing tackle role.
Wills had a chance to speak with reports on Monday and became a subject of controversy for his remarks on being benched.
The Cleveland Browns LT said he made a “business decision” for not playing in Week 8
Cleveland Browns, Jedrick Wills jr.
Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. talks with offensive line coach Bill Callahan on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 in Berea.
Jedrick Wills Jr. told the media on Monday he made a “business decision” not to play against the Ravens. He then went on to say that could be the reason for the Browns benching him in favor of Dawand Jones. Here’s what he had to say about the subject matter.
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“It was pretty shocking,” he said Monday as the Browns returned from their bye week. “I mean, I decided myself. I made a business decision not to play after the Bengals game going into that Ravens game because I was injured. And then the next week is when I received the news.”
Wills’ remarks garnered controversy over the past few days that even Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas weighed in on X.
Kevin Stefanski defended Jedrick Wills Jr.’s remarks, stating that “business decision” was a “poor choice of words.” Stefanski also said that Wills did not mean what he said when referring to the term. Here’s what he had to say.
“I talked to Jed. It was a poor choice of words,” Stefanski said Wednesday. “I know what that phrase means. That’s not how he meant it. Did not feel like he was near a hundred percent to help us, but poor choice of words and he understands that.”
Dawand Jones will start at LT for the third consecutive game, while Jedrick Wills Jr. will serve as the swing tackle