Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones has been hit with another devastating setback. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Jones will undergo surgery for a knee injury sustained during Sunday’s victory over the Green Bay Packers, effectively ending his 2025 season. The injury occurred early in the game, on the fourth offensive play.
This marks an unfortunate trend for Jones, a fourth-round draft pick from 2023. He has faced season-ending injuries in each of his three NFL seasons, previously sidelined by a torn meniscus in 2023 and a broken fibula in 2024. Despite these repeated setbacks, Stefanski expressed confidence in Jones’ resilience, stating, “He’ll battle back. He’ll rehab and he’ll be ready to roll, but disappointed for him.”
The team is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the play where Jones was injured. Stefanski mentioned that the Browns intend to submit a review to the league to evaluate whether the Packers defender involved made an illegal low tackle on Jones. Stefanski conveyed that he doesn’t believe the Green Bay player intended harm, but the incident will be assessed to see if it contravened league rules.
Amidst Jones’ absence, the Browns face challenges in their lineup. Stefanski has not yet confirmed who will replace Jones, as Jack Conklin, normally the starting right tackle, remains uncertain for upcoming games due to an ongoing elbow injury.
Despite the adversity of repeated injuries, the Browns continue to show faith in Jones’ ability to recover and contribute in the future. This situation also highlights the broader issue of player safety in the NFL, particularly concerning specific tackles and the enforcement of rules designed to protect players.