Deshaun Watson’s first start since 2024 just got a little bit tougher.
Head coach Todd Monekn told reporters on Friday that right guard Teven Jenkins is out for Sunday’s season opener against the Jaguars. Rookie third-round pick Austin Barber will start in Jenkins’ place.
Jenkins (back) was limited on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday or Friday.
“I’m not getting into the specifics, he’s just not able to go this week,” Monken said in his press conference.
As for Barber, Monken said he feels great about the rookie stepping in to play.
“We see the talent there, and he needs to play,” Monken said.
The Browns will be starting two rookies on their offensive line, with first-round pick Spencer Fano lining up at left tackle.
“Just the way they’ve practiced, just what I’ve seen every day,” Monken said of what gives him confidence in the young OLs. “That’s all you can go by, is what you see every day. And I haven’t seen anything to the contrary that would make me believe that they’re not going to play really, really well and confidently.”
As noted by Browns radio play-by-play announcer Andrew Siciliano, this is the first time since 1990 that the Browns will deploy an entirely new offensive line since 1990.
For Cleveland’s other injuries, rookie center Parker Brailsford (thumb) is questionable. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (shoulder) and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (quad) are off the report and are expected to play.
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