Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills is set to return from a knee injury that kept him out since Week 9 of last season. Wills, a former first-round pick, will start opposite Dawand Jones on Sunday.
Wills’ lengthy absence was due to an MCL sprain, PCL damage, and bone bruises in his right knee. Despite missing the entire offseason program and training camp, he avoided the reserve/PUP list, allowing him to debut in Week 3.
Meanwhile, Jack Conklin, who returned from an ACL tear last week, will be out due to an injury. Conklin, 30, has struggled with injuries and needs to demonstrate his ability to stay healthy this season.
Wills, 25, is playing in a contract year, with his fifth-year option ($19.7M) picked up in May 2023. He has started every game he’s played (53) since being drafted 10th overall in 2020. Pro Football Focus graded Wills as a mid-pack tackle from 2020-2022.
Wills’ performance this season will be crucial in determining his future. If he can recover from his knee injury and perform well, he may be in line for a significant contract extension from the Browns or another tackle-needy team in free agency in 2025.
