In The Trenches

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Dawand Jones out for the remainder of 2025 season | In the Trenches

Head coach Kevin Stefanski provides update on Jack Conklin and outlook on tackle position

Sep 22, 2025 at 03:11 PM

Kelsey Russo

Associate Editor & Staff Writer

The Browns notched their first win of the season with the 13-10 comeback victory over the Packers in Week 3.

As they turn the page to face the Lions in Week 4, head coach Kevin Stefanski highlighted the effort his players gave over the course of the game, noting how it took all 60 minutes to secure the win. The Browns were held scoreless through the third quarter, but in span of less than four minutes on the game clock, they scored 13 unanswered points to secure the win.

"Really pleased with how the guys fought and hung in there and endured and were resilient," Stefanski said. "And then you come away with a win versus a really good football team. So, we're spending time today learning from that, win things that we can do better, and then we'll move on to Detroit here shortly."

Here are the top pieces of news heading into Week 4 against the Lions.

Injury Updates

Stefanski said T Dawand Jones, who sustained a knee injury early in the first quarter against the Packers and was later downgraded to out for the game, will miss the remainder of the season. The knee injury will require surgery.

"Disappointing for the young man. He'll battle back. He'll rehab, and he'll be ready to go, but disappointed for him," Stefanski said. "Obviously a young player that was getting better. He played right tackle in the last game for those plays before he was injured, but he's played on both sides of the ball. Disappointed overall for the young man, but he's somebody that will continue to work, and now he's just going to have to focus on his rehab."

RT Jack Conklin, who missed his second consecutive game with an elbow injury, continues to progress and is considered to be day-to-day.

Outlook on the Browns' tackle position

With the news of Jones' season-ending injury and anticipation for Conklin's return from the elbow injury, the Browns will have to work through their starting tackle spots. Cornelius Lucas started Week 3 against the Packers on the left side, while KT Leveston stepped in to replace Jones at right tackle following the injury. Lucas has seen game action in all three games this season with two starts, while Leveston saw his first game action against the Ravens in Week 2.

Stefanski said they will work through the outlook at tackle throughout the week as part of their preparations for Week 4 against the Lions.

As Lucas and Leveston could step into larger roles, C Ethan Pocic highlighted Leveston's run blocking and his strength as assets of his skillset as a young player who continues to grow. For Lucas, Pocic said his veteran presence adds another layer of experience to the offensive line. In 12 seasons, Lucas has played in 132 games with 56 starts.

"He's sharp. He knows what he's doing," Pocic said. "He did great job out there for us. So, next man up mentality and we really like our room."