For the first time since September, the Browns have the same offensive line for a second straight week.
Dawand Jones will again start at left tackle for a line coming off its best performance of the season. That was a big part of Jameis Winston’s 334-yard passing day last week as the offense finally showed some life and the Browns upset the Ravens.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told the team’s official pregame radio show that Jones had “earned” another start today vs. the Chargers. Jedrick Wills Jr. has only played in four games while dealing with a lingering knee injury, and though Wills is active today, Jones remains in the starting lineup. Jones began the year as the starting right tackle but was benched in Week 6.
The 2-6 Browns are fighting to keep faint playoff hopes alive but realistically have to look to the future. Wills is not under contract for next season and Jones is signed through 2026.
The Browns announced Saturday that Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward had cleared concussion protocol. Ward will play today despite suffering the sixth known concussion of his professional career last week.
Inactive for the Browns are running back D’Onta Foreman, tackle Germain Ifedi, emergency quarterback Bailey Zappe, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and linebacker Jordan Hicks, who was previously listed as out due to triceps and elbow injuries. Foreman is inactive with Jerome Ford returning from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
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