The Browns believe that right tackle Jack Conklin is dealing with a torn patella tendon in his knee, according to a source who spoke with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). Conklin, who was carted off during last night’s loss to the Ravens, will know more after additional testing this afternoon.
“You hate that for anybody, especially Jack, who’s been fighting to come back after the dislocated elbow,” said quarterback Baker Mayfield (via ESPN.com). “It’s just one of those freak deals. He’s one of our guys, and it’s just a really, really unfortunate thing.”
Conklin has already missed time this year, thanks to the elbow dislocation he suffered in Week 8 and another knee injury earlier in the year. Of course, when healthy, Conklin has performed as one of the game’s best right tackles. In 2019 and 2020, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the tenth best tackle in the NFL. And, even in this injury-marred season, PFF has him slotted 14th.
The Browns gave the former first round pick a three-year, $42MM deal in 2020. He’s still under contract for 2022 and almost certain to return — releasing him would save just $6MM against $9MM in dead money. Beyond that, they’d be hard-pressed to find a better option for less on the open market.
injury bowl do what injury bowl do.
Injuries suck
Yes, there is no better option than Conklin for the Browns in 2022. However, they may be forced to move on from him if the patella tendon in his knee is torn “completely”.
According to what I read last-night, a partial tear takes roughly 6 months for an athlete to recover and get back out on the field. But a complete tear can take as long as 12 months.
So, if the later ends up being the case, Conklin would miss much of next season in addition to the rest of ’21. I believe this would force the Browns to release him, eat 9 million to save another 6, and go about find a long term/cheaper replacement. And since a top flight o-line is vital for their offensive system + personnel (based heavily on the run + Mayfield completely crumbles minus quality protection) they’ll likely have to address OT “early” in the ’22 draft. And by early, I mean no later than round 2.