The Cleveland Browns are rolling into Thursday night’s showdown against the Steelers without their starting center, Elgton Jenkins, who’s been officially ruled out due to a concussion. This is a massive blow, and it means the offensive line is going to have a seriously tough test right out of the gate in a prime-time matchup.
O-Line Shakes Up For Thursday Night Football
Look, losing your starting center is a gut punch, especially on a short week for Thursday Night Football. Elgton Jenkins has been out all week, a total non-participant in practice with that concussion, and now he’s officially out for the Steelers game. That means Luke Wypler is almost certainly stepping in at center. You never want to see an O-line shuffle, particularly against a rival defense known for bringing the heat. Any time you’re putting a new guy in the middle, communication becomes a big question mark, and that’s something the Steelers are absolutely going to try and exploit.
Injury Report Mix: Good News and Bad News
It’s not just Jenkins, either. The Browns are also without guard Teven Jenkins due to a back issue and receiver/returner Tylan Wallace is out with a knee injury. So, that’s three key guys gone for Thursday. BUT hey, at least there’s some good news on the injury front. Cornerback Tyson Campbell, who sat out Sunday’s win over the Panthers, is good to go with no game status, same for safety Grant Delpit (shoulder) and right tackle Tytus Howard (knee). Getting those guys back on defense and the other side of the O-line is huge, and it’s some relief for a team battling key absences.
So, even with some defensive help returning, that offensive line is going to be the big story heading into Thursday night against the Steelers. You gotta wonder how that patchwork interior holds up. It’s gonna be a grinder, no doubt.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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