The Cleveland Browns are rolling into Week 4 against the Steelers with some absolutely brutal news on their offensive line. Both starting center Elgton Jenkins and starting right guard Teven Jenkins are officially OUT for Thursday’s clash, according to their Wednesday injury report. This is a massive hit to their offensive front and sets the stage for a wild game.
The Rookie Gauntlet on the O-Line
Missing two starting linemen is tough, especially when one of them, Teven Jenkins, has missed every game so far this season. Stepping into that right guard spot has been rookie Austin Barber, who has actually been “largely impressing” despite what the report called an “up and down” performance just last week against the Panthers. Now, with Elgton Jenkins also sidelined at center, the Browns are throwing another player into the fire: former Ohio State center Luke Wypler. Get this: Wypler hasn’t even played an offensive snap all season! He’s a 2023 sixth-round pick, described pre-draft by Lance Zierlein as “undersized but highly athletic,” and he’s got six career NFL starts, five of those coming last year. The pressure is on, big time. We’re talking two rookies expected to start on the offensive line in Week 4, with Barber joining first-round left tackle Spencer Fano. That’s a lot of fresh faces protecting the QB.
Elsewhere on the Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Beyond the critical O-line woes, the Browns will also be without wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who is officially out. But hey, it’s not all bad news for Cleveland. Cornerback Tyson Campbell, safety Grant Delpit, and tackle Tytus Howard are all good to go for Thursday, even though they were limited earlier in the week. That’s a relief for their secondary and another key lineman. It’s not just the Browns dealing with key absences, either. The Steelers are gonna be without their star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle. So, while Cleveland’s O-line situation is absolutely glaring, both teams are heading into this matchup with some big names missing.
What does all this mean for Thursday night? Cleveland’s offensive line, which is absolutely crucial for any successful run game or protecting their quarterback, is going to be tested big-time. With two rookies and a player who hasn’t seen the field all year stepping into starting roles, this game against the Steelers is gonna be a true test of their depth and grit. You gotta wonder how their offense adapts and if these young guys can stand up to the challenge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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