DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes against James Hudson III #66 of the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns‘ offensive line continues to face significant challenges as injuries mount, with James Hudson recently revealing that he underwent shoulder surgery this week. Although no official timeline for his recovery has been established, early reports suggest that Hudson’s injury could be season-ending, adding another layer of concern for a line already beset by issues.
Hudson, who has demonstrated versatility by playing both tackle positions this season, has started three of his four games. His shoulder injury, sustained during Week 3, initially allowed him to play through discomfort in the following game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he has not practiced since that contest, and the decision to pursue surgery indicates a serious setback for both him and the team.
Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that Hudson is expected to be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for a minimum of four games. Given the nature of the injury, a longer absence is likely, severely impacting Hudson’s potential market value as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract.
A Lineup in Flux
The timing of this injury couldn’t be worse for Cleveland. With Jedrick Wills missing time earlier this season and Jack Conklin still recovering from his ACL tear, the Browns’ offensive tackle situation has been a rotating door. Hudson’s versatility was crucial for providing depth, but without him, the team will need to find reliable replacements.
In a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil, Conklin is slated to return to action in Week 6. This will mark his first game since sustaining an ACL injury in Week 1 of last season, although head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to clarify the specifics of Conklin’s role. If both Conklin and Wills can stay healthy, the Browns may be able to weather Hudson’s absence.
However, if injuries continue to plague the line, Cleveland’s chances of recovering from their dismal 1-4 start will be compromised. The loss of Hudson as a swing tackle could hinder their efforts to stabilize the offensive front and regain momentum in a competitive AFC North.
As the Browns prepare for their next game, all eyes will be on how they adapt to this latest challenge. With a crucial matchup ahead, the offensive line’s performance will be pivotal in determining the team’s fate as they strive to turn their season around.
