BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns realized that rebuilding their entire offensive line — a rarity in the NFL — in one season would be a massive undertaking.
The project is moving slowly. Some progress, some regress.
Many of Cleveland's offensive struggles through five games can be traced directly to an overhauled O-line that isn't creating holes to unlock a stalled running game (ranked No. 21) or protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sacked a season-high eight times in Sunday's 17-12 loss to the New York Jets.
While there is some experience and talent up front, the Browns (3-2) are also starting two rookies who are learning on the fly. Growth will take time and will likely include pain. Patience is not only necessary, but mandatory.
After a strong performance in a Week 4 win over Pittsburgh, the O-line slipped in rainy conditions against the Jets.
“We took a step back a little bit in communication, obviously in protections,” coach Todd Monken said Wednesday before the Browns practiced in advance of hosting the AFC North-leading Ravens (4-1) on Sunday. "But in terms of running the football, I’ve seen strides. I’ve seen our confidence build with our right guard and our left tackle, the rookies, and I think that’s only going to continue to grow.
"And the guys, in terms of playing together, they’re just going to continue to get better and better.”
After ignoring an aging O-line and its depth the previous few offseasons, the Browns decided 2026 was time to tear things down to the studs.
Free agency, roster decisions and All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio's retirement forced Cleveland to start from scratch. The Browns are only the third team since 2021 to begin the season with five fresh faces from left tackle to right tackle.
Injuries have hampered things. Right guard Teven Jenkins was slated to start but a back injury has kept him out all season, vaulting third-round pick Austin Barber into the lineup. Center Elgton Jenkins missed one game with a concussion.
Jenkins started 94 games over seven seasons with Green Bay before signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Browns. He's confident that given time, the line will jell.
“We’re in Week 6 and we’re just trying to keep going, circle the wagons and worry about what we can worry about and try to get better as a unit every day,” he said. “It’s challenging because we’re not getting the results in the running game. Everybody needs to stay optimistic about what we’ve got to do and then from there it’s about alignment and assignment. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Or in the case of Cleveland's running game, a crawl.
The Browns are averaging just 94.2 yards per game, with a major chunk coming on runs by Watson (167 yards). Quinshon Judkins has 221 yards, and getting only 3 per carry. The second-year running back is also dealing with an injury to the same ankle he needed surgery on in 2025.
The lack of a rushing attack has made the Browns predictable, putting Watson in harm's way. The Jets teed off on Cleveland's line, which allowed too many unblocked rushers.
Monken accepted some blame, saying he and his staff need to do more, especially in terms of improving communication between Jenkins and Watson and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
“That’s part of the growing pains, unfortunately, of a new system, different running backs in the backfield, young players,” he said. “There’s not a lot of recall there. ... That’s not an excuse, because I’m not a big excuse guy.
"We certainly have to find a way to be better, because we weren’t. And some of it’s getting the ball out. Some of it’s coaching. Some of it’s communication. Some of it’s diligence. But we know it has to be fixed.”
Notes: WR KC Concepcion Jr. returned to practice on a limited basis after sustaining a concussion on a vicious hit by Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Concepcion is tied for the team lead with 18 catches. ... RB Dylan Sampson (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve. He has 21 days to be added to the active roster. ... The Browns are dealing with numerous injuries as Judkins, LB Carson Schwesinger (ankle), DTs Maliek Collins (foot), Mason Graham (knee/ankle) and Mike Hall Jr. (ankle), and RT Tytus Howard (knee) didn't practice.
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