The Cleveland Browns picked up a big win on opening day against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, but they may have suffered an enormous loss as star tackle Jack Conklin went down and may be out for some time.
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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that it is feared that he has sustained a "significant knee injury," and could be out for the season.
#Browns OT Jack Conklin is feared to have suffered a significant knee injury, source said. He’ll have an MRI, but there is a possibility he’s out for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2023
With a knee injury that is considered to be major, the immediate thought is either an ACL or meniscus tear, either of which would be devastating for the 6'6" Conklin. The 29 year old is a two-time first-team All Pro, as a rookie with the Tennessee Titans in 2016 and then in 2020 with the Browns.
Conklin has torn an ACL before, in January 2018 in a division-round loss against the Patriots, while he was with the Titans. He missed the first three games of the following campaign, putting his recovery time at around seven months. He suffered a more minor knee injury later that same season, and then with the Browns, tore his patellar tendon in November 2021, ending his season.
The Browns looked great in their opening day win, and dominated on the ground as they ran for over 200 yards as a team. Conklin would be an enormous loss, as he is one of the key pieces in the offensive line that will be so central to any success they hope to have this year.
Hopefully, this was simply a close call and false alarm, but it seems that Cleveland might have to figure out a replacement at Conklin's spot in the lineup. Browns fans and truly all football fans will be rooting for him to make a full recovery and be back to his All Pro best as soon as possible.
