Conklin Tears both ACL and MCL-Out for Season
The Cleveland Browns put in an impressive performance to earn a 24-3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately for the team, they also lost a key starter on the offensive line for the remainder of the year according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
On an awkward play near the end of the first quarter, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson created pressure against Browns left tackle Jed Wills and was blocked to the ground where he rolled into Conklin's legs. Conklin went down immediately in what appeared to be excruciating pain. He would be carted off the field moments later which is never a good sign.
After the game, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski wasn't expecting any good news in regard to Conklin. "You hope but that doesn't look good, I feel absolutely awful for Jack." When asked about Conklin coming back this season Stefanski responded, "yeah, it just didn't look good, obviously you wait for the imaging on those things, the early tests are not good."
Now that they have the imaging that reveals both the torn ACL and MCL, you have to wonder if this could be the end of the line for Conklin. He has had a history of significant injuries over the course of his career. In 2021, Conklin had his season ended early by a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that required extensive rehab.
Rookie offensive tackle Dawand Jones came into replace him at right tackle and will become the starter at the position. He appeared to be solid in relief, especially in pass protection. The team will have to look for additional tackle depth elsewhere for now. The Browns traded away Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to the Patriots at the end of the preseason as well.
