Browns Place Jerome Ford, Ethan Pocic On IR
Jerome Ford‘s season is over. The Browns announced that they’ve placed the veteran running back on IR with a shoulder injury. Center Ethan Pocic is also going on IR, an obvious move after he tore his Achilles in Week 14.
A Brown since they chose him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Ford was at his most productive in his second and third seasons. After totaling only eight carries as a rookie, Ford combined for 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 308 attempts from 2023-24. As a pass catcher, he added 81 receptions, 544 yards, and five scores (all in 2023) during that 31-game span.
This season will go down as a major step backward in usage and production for Ford, particularly on the ground. Rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins took over as the Browns’ lead back, which left Ford with a mere 24 carries for 73 yards in 13 games. While Ford did catch 26 passes, he chipped in just 103 yards through the air.
The emergence of Judkins left Ford as a potential trade candidate leading up to the Nov. 4 deadline. He ended up staying put, but Ford could find a new team in the coming months. Ford’s due to reach free agency in March, though it won’t be ideal timing after an injury-limited season in which he rarely touched the ball.
Along with putting Ford and Pocic on IR, the Browns made a few practice squad changes on Wednesday. They signed center Darrian Dalcourt and defensive tackle Keith Cooper. To make room for those two, the Browns released defensive end Ochaun Mathis and linebacker Mark Robinson from their taxi squad.
Shedeur Sanders To Serve As Browns’ Starter For Remainder Of Season
Since taking over starting quarterback duties, Shedeur Sanders has played his way into an extended look atop the depth chart. Cleveland will stick with the oft-discussed rookie the rest of the way.
When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sanders will operate as the team’s QB1 for the remainder of the season. That update comes as little surprise based on the performance from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel prior to his concussion. That absence opened the door for Sanders to start three games in a row, and that figure will extend to seven.
“I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic, going back to when he got here,” Stefanski said of Sanders (via Tony Grossi of The Land on Demand). “When they embrace it, that’s the fun part. He’s still very early in his career. There’s moments in games that are hard to replicate in practice.”
The Browns cleared out their QB logjam to a degree by trading away Kenny Pickett shortly before the start of the season. In the wake of Joe Burrow‘s injury, Joe Flacco went from serving as Cleveland’s starter to being dealt to Cincinnati. That opened the door for Gabriel to make six starts before missing time due to the concussion. Since then – and as many predicted prior to the beginning of the campaign – it has been Sanders at the helm, something which will remain the case moving forward.
The Browns only have a single win in Sanders’ three starts, but the Colorado star has shown flashes under center. In his three starts, Sanders has completed 57 percent of his passes for 722 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Three of those scores came during yesterday’s loss to the Titans, a game in which the QB also tallied 29 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
We heard recently that while Sanders will be granted a long leash for the remainder of this season, he won’t be guaranteed the QB1 role in 2026. The Browns will still likely have Deshaun Watson on the books next year, and the team could use their first-round pick at the position. Still, Sanders has a chance to make a lasting impression on the organization as he looks to retain his role next year.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Browns C Ethan Pocic Suffers Achilles Tear
DECEMBER 8: Stefanski confirmed on Monday (via Easterling) Pocic has indeed torn his Achilles. His season is over as a result, and free agency will no doubt produce little in the way of strong offers while Pocic recovers.
DECEMBER 7: It was a difficult scene in Cleveland this afternoon, where, despite a big statistical day for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Browns were officially eliminated from postseason contention. In addition to that loss, Cleveland’s already banged up offensive line experienced another loss as center Ethan Pocic was carted off the field early in the fourth quarter of today’s game, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. 
Cabot’s early report noted Pocic grabbing his ankle, and the team’s associate editor & staff writer Kelsey Russo called it a calf injury shortly after he left the field of play. According to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, though, head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media following the game that “it’s likely an Achilles injury.” The 30-year-old veteran will undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury.
Once the first center (and fifth offensive lineman) taken in the 2017 NFL draft out of LSU, Pocic played out his rookie contract in Seattle, not earning a full-time starting role until his final year with the team, though he did start 16 games over his first three seasons as an injury replacement. The Seahawks were unwilling to commit to Pocic long-term but signed him for an additional, fifth year. He ended up losing the starting job to Kyle Fuller, who handed the job right back eight weeks into the season.
After that year, Pocic decided to test the free agent waters and landed himself in Cleveland on a veteran minimum one-year deal. Starting 13 games for the Browns that year, Pocic played the best football of his career, with Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranking him as the 3rd best center in the NFL that season. Cleveland rewarded Pocic with a three-year, $18MM commitment, and though he hasn’t quite played to the same level over the course of that deal, he’s been a mostly dependable presence on the offensive line.
In truth, Pocic has not played in every game of a season since his rookie year, be it due to injury or benching. His last three years in Cleveland have been his most consistent, seeing him only miss three games from the start of the 2023 season to today, but if this truly is an Achilles injury that sidelines him, he’ll fall five games short of a full season this year, continuing the streak of incomplete campaigns.
As a result, it will be interesting to see what the future brings for Pocic. This was a contract year for the nine-year veteran, and it looks like he’ll be limping into free agency. Cleveland will likely look to get younger across the line as they move forward, and Pocic will have a long road to recovery, if his Achilles tendon has indeed ruptured, as suspected. It will be a long time before he’s able to start working out for teams again.
When Pocic exited the game today, the Browns turned to Luke Wypler, a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State two year ago. Earlier this year, Wypler got a start against the Dolphins as a sixth offensive lineman, eventually subbing in to replace Cornelius Lucas at right tackle. Despite a fumbled snap that cost the team a two-point conversion today in their two-point loss to the Titans, Wypler will likely be the man in the middle for what’s left of the Browns’ season. If right guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin, who missed today’s game with injury, are unable to play again next week, left guard Joel Bitonio will be the only Day 1 starter left standing in Cleveland.
Browns Expected To Retain QB Deshaun Watson In 2026
The dead money charge the Browns will be saddled with if they release Deshaun Watson this offseason, even if they designate him a post-June 1 cut, always made it possible they would retain their embattled passer through the last year of his contract in 2026. Multiple reporters have recently confirmed that is the expectation.
On Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com said Watson would be on the roster next year, barring an unforeseen development. On Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed that report, and both Cabot and Schefter noted Watson has served as a valuable veteran presence for the Browns’ rookie QBs, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Watson, 30, has not appeared in a game since October 20, 2024, when he suffered a torn Achilles. He tore the same Achilles while rehabbing last January and had to undergo surgery shortly thereafter. He has spent the entire 2025 campaign on the PUP list as a result, though the fact that the Browns recently opened his 21-day practice window suggested he could see the field before the season ends.
That still appears unlikely, but Watson will at least get some practice reps to allow head coach Kevin Stefanski & Co. the chance to see him in action. As Cabot notes, that will give the Browns a little more data as they plan for the 2026 draft, at which point they could be selecting a quarterback yet again. Of course, Watson’s performance in practice surely will not dissuade Cleveland from picking a collegiate signal-caller it believes in, but it still needs to know if Watson can operate as at least a bridge to a younger passer.
In the meantime, Sanders will look to keep his name in the mix of 2026 starting options. Unsurprisingly, Sanders will not be penciled in atop next year’s depth chart unless he “lights it up” over the last few games of the current slate. Gabriel, whose Week 11 concussion opened the door for Sanders to take the reins, projects as more of a capable backup at the professional level, and he did not do much in his six starts this year to suggest otherwise.
Though Watson’s salary cap situation is perhaps the primary reason why he is seen as a safe bet to remain with the Browns in 2026, it should be mentioned that the club has an insurance policy on his contract that could result in a hefty payout and corresponding credit to Cleveland’s cap sheet. If the Browns retain Watson, they will again restructure his contract to smooth out his 2026 cap charge of $80.72MM, as Cabot reports. So if Cleveland realizes some cap relief from an insurance payout, it stands to reason the team may consider cutting ties immediately and allow the credit to help offset Watson’s existing dead money hit, thus preventing even more dead money from being added to future void years.
That is merely speculation, but it does add another wrinkle to the Browns’ decision. For now, however, Watson is set to be back in Cleveland next season and could even be the Week 1 starter.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/6/25
Here are the minor moves and standard gameday practice squad elevations for the Week 14 Sunday slate:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: LB Channing Tindall
- Elevated: WR Jalen Brooks, WR Trent Sherfield
- Placed on IR: WR Greg Dortch
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed to active roster: WR Deven Thompkins
- Elevated: CB C.J. Henderson
- Placed on IR: S DeMarcco Hellams
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: S Sanoussi Kane, DT Josh Tupou
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: DE Morgan Fox, LB Baylon Spector
Chicago Bears
- Signed to active roster: OL Jordan McFadden
- Elevated: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Waived: LB Carl Jones Jr.
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: DE K.J. Henry
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: TE Marcedes Lewis
- Elevated: LB Jordan Turner
- Waived: LB Garret Wallow
Houston Texans
- Elevated: CB Alijah Huzzie, DT Haggai Ndubuisi
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed to active roster: S Mike Edwards
- Elevated: G C.J. Hanson
- Placed on IR: S Christian Roland-Wallace
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: WR Shedrick Jackson, WR DJ Turner
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: OL Kion Smith
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to active roster: QB John Wolford
- Elevated: CB Dwight McGlothern Jr., DT Taki Taimani
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Kevin Austin, K Charlie Smyth
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: QB Brady Cook, CB Jordan Clark
- Elevated: CB Tre Brown, CB Nik Needham
- Placed on IR: CB Jarvis Brownlee, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: T Dylan Cook, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: RB Velus Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: S Marcus Banks
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DE DeMarcus Walker
Dort becomes Arizona’s 26th placement on injures reserve this year. The Cardinals’ receiving corps has been stretched thin with Marvin Harrison Jr. out with a heel injury and Zay Jones on injured reserve with an injured Achilles tendon.
Earning more and more responsibility over the course of his sophomore campaign, former undrafted free agent Roland-Wallace will unfortunately head to IR after starting in the Chiefs’ two most recent contests. As a roaming safety, he’s been functioning lately as a nickelback alongside the versatile pair of starting safeties behind him.
With Bosa set to miss this weekend’s game with a hamstring injury, Fox has been called up from the practice squad in Buffalo to help bolster a thin group of defensive ends.
Smyth gets the call again this week as the primary placekicker in New Orleans. He’ll be kicking in his second straight game following the team’s dismissal of Blake Grupe.
For Spector in Buffalo, this will be his third elevation this season, meaning the Bills will need to sign him to the active roster in order for him to appear in another game in 2025. The same is true of Turner in Denver, Hanson in Kansas City, and Banks in Tampa Bay. On the other side of that, Tindall in Arizona, Lewis in Jacksonville, and Cook in New York were all signed to 53-man rosters today after they used up their three allotted practice squad elevations.
AFC North Rumors: Browns, Burrow, Bush, Kent
Much of the focus of the Browns‘ 2025 NFL Draft class was on the excitement of the early-round rookie defenders and the novelty of being the only team in NFL history to have drafted two running backs and two quarterbacks in the first five rounds of the draft.
With some crystal-clear hindsight, Zac Jackson of The Athletic lamented that the Browns neglected to bring in any rookie offensive linemen as they came into the season with all four established starters playing on contract years, while the fifth starter had proven to be prone to injury. The Browns traded to acquire left tackle Cam Robinson from Houston back in September after the injury-prone starter, Dawand Jones, went down with injury, but Robinson, too, is playing on the final year of his current deal, meaning all five current starters should be headed to free agency at the end of the year.
Because of this, Jackson asserts with some certainty that the Browns “will be looking to draft a left tackle of the future” in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland has two first-round picks in 2026 — their own and Jacksonville’s. They may use one to address the quarterback position, but the second one could certainly go to an offensive lineman. A surefire top offensive tackle has not necessarily been identified at this point in the pre-draft process, but names like Utah’s Spencer Fano, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa could all be candidates to fill out a Browns offensive line that could feature five new starters in 2026.
Here are a few other rumors from around the AFC North:
- Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow‘s first game back from injured reserve was a mixed bag. He delivered a convincing win — thanks in part to a surprisingly dominant performance from his defense — while only completing 52.2 percent of his passes. Encouragingly, though, he was only sacked once and threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns — both season highs. While Burrow has made an impressive comeback, returning much earlier than many expected, it hasn’t come without its caveats. Per Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the carbon fiber plate and orthotic in his cleat to prevent his shoe from bending is “not comfortable for Burrow,” causing the starter discomfort specifically while playing. When not on the field, he alleviates the pain by taking the cleat off and wearing a sneaker on the sideline. He’ll continue to manage his discomfort as the Bengals push with renewed vigor for a surprisingly open AFC North title.
- Our last update concerning the legal battles of Browns linebacker Devin Bush saw a jury trial scheduled for December 2. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reported on Tuesday that, instead, Bush’s case has been continued in the form of a non-jury trial that will now take place on December 16.
- Two days ago, the Steelers opened the 21-day practice window for seventh-round rookie cornerback Donte Kent. The Central Michigan product had spent the first 13 weeks of his first year on IR but looked like he might just be able to get healthy in time to make his NFL debut as a rookie. Unfortunately, though, Kent suffered a new injury in his first practice back on the field. According to Steelers senior director of communications Burt Lauten, the injury is severe enough that he will miss the remainder of the season. No move to IR will be necessary. Instead, Kent will be too injured to be activated, and once his 21-day practice window officially expires, he will return to IR without the possibility of being activated again.
Shedeur Sanders Not Guaranteed QB1 Role In 2026, Deshaun Watson Unlikely To Play In 2025
Shedeur Sanders hasn’t looked completely hopeless through the first two starts of his career, but the Browns aren’t ready to hand him the reins. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano write, the rookie quarterback will be afforded a long leash through the end of the 2025 season, but Sanders is unlikely to be guaranteed the QB1 role for 2026 unless he “lights it up.”
[RELATED: Browns Open Deshaun Watson’s Practice Window]
As Fowler notes, Sanders has reinforced the coaching staff’s belief that he’s able to limit turnovers; the rookie has only thrown a pair of picks this season, although one of those was during a relief appearance in Week 11. And, while Sanders had a reputation for taking an unsustainable amount of sacks during his college career, he’s only been sacked four times in his two starts.
At the same time, the Browns understand that the fifth-round pick may not be their answer at the position, especially since the team could easily pursue an alternative via free agency or the draft this offseason. The team also has Dillon Gabriel on the roster, although Fowler notes that the rookie third-round pick projects as more of a capable QB2. Rival coaches opined that Gabriel is further along in his development than Sanders, but there’s also a belief that Sanders has a higher upside with his arm strength and larger frame.
Either way, the Browns will use the final stretch of the season to see if Sanders or Gabriel may be their answer for the 2026 season. The team already gave Gabriel six starts, and it appears the coaching staff is determined to give Sanders a similar amount of reps before the season is through. As Fowler notes, it’s pertinent that the franchise knows whether their 2026 starter is currently on the roster.
Of course, Deshaun Watson‘s recent return to practice slightly complicates things. However, sources told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that the highly paid quarterback only has a slim chance of seeing the field in 2025. The veteran will continue to take limited practice reps, but Jones estimates that Watson will only have 10 practices under his belt by the time the Browns have to make a decision on his activation for Week 17.
Taking into account the player’s lengthy rehab of a torn Achilles, it seems the organization simply wants to give Watson some practice reps ahead of the 2026 offseason. Considering the quarterback’s release would leave the organization with a record-breaking $80MM in dead cap for the 2026 season, it’s all but certain that Watson will remain on the roster next year. If neither Sanders nor Gabriel establish themselves as a sure-thing starter heading into the offseason, the Browns seem destined to have at least a four-man competition for the QB1 spot during next year’s training camp and preseason.
Jets, Raiders, Browns Among Suitors For First-Round QBs
While there’s still five weeks to go in the regular season, a handful of teams are already eyeing the 2026 campaign. These bottom dwellers will have a quarterback atop their list of offseason needs, and these franchises will also be primed to pursue the position via the first round of the draft.
A recent ESPN article took an early look at the 2026 draft and identified three organizations that could turn to first-round quarterbacks: the Jets, Raiders, and Browns.
The Jets are an obvious suitor for a quarterback. However, with the front office now armed with multiple first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027 (thanks to the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades), Rich Cimini says there’s a chance the Jets decide to kick the can down the road a bit. Both coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey will naturally feel some pressure to improve the team’s outlook ASAP, but Cimini notes that they’d only pursue the position if they have “conviction” in a particular player.
The Raiders are another obvious landing spot for a quarterback considering Geno Smith‘s struggles in 2025. Ryan McFadden says that even if Smith is leading the depth chart in 2026, the front office will strongly consider “a succession plan.” Plus, with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers in place, it’s in the organization’s best interest to add a young signal caller to the mix sooner than later.
The Browns’ situation is a bit more complex. Deshaun Watson will surely be back considering his hefty dead cap hit, and the team is also evaluating rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as potential options at the position. Daniel Oyefusi notes that the front office may find themselves behind a handful of QB-needy teams in the draft, but with two first-round picks in their possession (and 10 picks overall), the Browns will be well positioned to move up if necessary.
Two other teams were mentioned as suitors for quarterbacks, although reporters weren’t as convinced that those front offices would actually pull the trigger. Sarah Barshop acknowledged that Matthew Stafford‘s retirement is rapidly approaching, and the team will be well positioned to select a QB since they have a pair of first-round selections. Considering the Rams’ contender status, Barshop is ultimately skeptical if the franchise will pursue the position in the first round. Even if they do, the reporter doesn’t believe the hypothetical QB would start as a rookie.
Meanwhile, Field Yates lists the Cardinals as a franchise that could pursue the position, and the reporter points to the fact that the front office could easily get out of the Kyler Murray contract. Yates believes the Cardinals may be a better fit for a veteran signal caller, although the reporter says the front office will at least “do its quarterback homework in the draft.”
A handful of highly touted quarterbacks like Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, and Cade Klubnik have slipped a bit in 2025, leading to some question marks atop the positional draft class. ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes there will be three QBs with first-round grades: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
Browns Open Deshaun Watson’s Practice Window
The Browns have started three different quarterbacks this season. A fourth could be on the way. Cleveland opened Deshaun Watson‘s practice window on Wednesday. The team will have 21 days to activate Watson from the reserve/PUP list.
Watson hasn’t appeared in a game since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his right Achilles in a loss to the Bengals. The 30-year-old tore the same Achilles while rehabbing last January. He had to undergo surgery shortly after that.
Coming off two major injuries, it’s unclear if Watson will be healthy enough to take the field this season. He’ll only take individual practice reps for now before “potentially” moving up to the scout team at some point, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski (via Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland).
Asked if he wants Watson to play in 2025, Stefanski said (via Zac Jackson of The Athletic): “Really not my focus. Not his focus right this minute. His focus is putting a helmet on, shoulder pads, throwing a football.”
Watson’s Achilles injury was the latest unwelcome development in what has been a disastrous run in Cleveland. Then with the Texans, Watson sat out the entire 2021 season while angling for a new contract. He was also facing ongoing sexual misconduct allegations.
Despite his troubling off-field issues, the Browns sent four picks (three first-rounders and a third-rounder) to the Texans for Watson in March 2022. The trade has turned out to be one of the most lopsided swaps in NFL history, especially considering Cleveland immediately gave Watson a five-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $230MM.
The allegations against Watson led to an 11-game suspension to begin his first season with the Browns. The three-time Pro Bowler has not regained his past form since then. Watson has started just 19 games for the Browns, who have gone 9-10 with him at the helm. He has posted a lackluster 80.2 passer rating with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions since leaving Houston.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam admitted last spring that the Watson trade was a “big swing-and-miss” move for Cleveland, which didn’t land the franchise QB it thought it was getting. The Browns are still searching for an answer under center.
Joe Flacco opened this season as the Browns’ starter, but they traded the 40-year-old stopgap to the Bengals in early October. Flacco’s departure led to the promotion of third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, who struggled in six outings before suffering a concussion in a Week 11 loss to the Ravens. While Gabriel is now healthy, his injury allowed fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders to grab the reins. The 3-9 Browns have gone 1-1 under Sanders, who will start again in a meeting with the Titans on Sunday.
Cleveland will have four more games left after it faces Tennessee. It’s up in the air whether Watson will play in any of them. It’s also unknown if Watson will be in the mix to compete for the Browns’ starting job next season. He’s owed $46MM in 2026, the last year of his contract, and will count a league-high $80.7MM against the salary cap. Releasing Watson in the offseason would leave the Browns with an absurd $131.6MM dead cap charge.
OL Rumors: Teller, Bears, Packers, Ravens
Wyatt Teller has been with the Browns since 2019, as the team made a savvy trade with the Bills to acquire a talented blocker who had not hit his stride just yet. The 2018 fifth-round pick has been selected to three All-Pro teams (as a second-teamer) and three Pro Bowls. Teller was a linchpin of Browns O-lines that paved lanes for Nick Chubb and produced two playoff berths this decade. But that group could splinter soon. Teller joins Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin as longtime Cleveland blockers on expiring contracts.
The Browns lost Teller to a calf injury against the 49ers, but they had already cut into his workload in what The Athletic’s Zac Jackson calls a preplanned benching. This brought ex-Bears starter Teven Jenkins into the lineup, which NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe notes was by design. Jenkins is also in a contract year, signing for one season at $3.1MM. He has not started a game in Cleveland, but that is expected to change this week. As Jenkins prepares to replace Teller due to injury, the Browns having planned to reduce his playing time already points to a likely 2026 exit for the seven-year starter.
Teller said earlier this season he wanted to finish his career in Cleveland, and a new deal was believed to be under consideration as of September. Unlike Bitonio, the 31-year-old has not been linked to retirement. Teller’s four-year, $56.8MM extension voids on Feb. 10, 2026; no extension by that point would leave $10.39MM on Cleveland’s 2026 cap sheet. While Teller could expect to draw free agency interest, it will be worth following if he reacquires his starting job after this calf injury. Jenkins has plenty to play for as well, after his market underwhelmed this past offseason.
Here is the latest from the O-line ranks:
- The Bears also made another change at left tackle, inserting Ozzy Trapilo into their lineup to open their Black Friday matchup. Trapilo replaced Theo Benedet against the Eagles, helping the Bears compile a stunning 281 rushing yards in a road upset. Ben Johnson pointed to the second-round rookie, primarily a right tackle at Boston College, receiving more time at LT. The first-year HC called Trapilo “an ascending player,” via 670 The Score’s Chris Emma, and hinted at more reps coming his way. Benedet, who started seven games after usurping Braxton Jones, worked as a reserve against Philly. Considering Jones’ likely free agency departure, Trapilo seemed on track to receive a chance. Given Chicago’s success up front this season, plenty of eyes will be on the 6-foot-8 newcomer playing on a veteran O-line. Pro Football Focus ranks Benedet 67th among tackles.
- Green Bay also made a Week 13 change involving a second-round O-lineman, inserting Anthony Belton into its lineup at right guard over Jordan Morgan. After Belton ate into the first-round pick’s time in Week 12, he took over as the starter against the Lions. The Packers had alternated first-half series between Morgan and Belton in Week 12, but as The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman notes, Belton worked the entire second half. It appears the job is his. A 2024 first-rounder, Morgan has been unable to find a home on Green Bay’s O-line. He has competed at guard and left tackle. With Rasheed Walker likely departing as a 2026 free agent, Morgan’s next chance to start (barring injury) could come then. Schneidman points to Morgan moving to that spot if/once Walker departs in March.
- Staying on the subject of O-lineman rotating into action, Ravens rookie Emery Jones did so at left guard Thursday. Jones, who came off Baltimore’s reserve/NFI list in late October, played 16 snaps in his debut. John Harbaugh pointed to more work, though the 18th-year HC said (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec) it is unlikely Jones will be cross-trained at RG as well. Primarily a college tackle, Jones cut into Andrew Vorhees‘ playing time at LG in Week 13. A 2024 seventh-rounder, Vorhees has started every Ravens game there this season.