In a game that felt like two teams trying to outdo each other in who could start slower, the Saints (3-7) and Browns (2-7) delivered exactly what their records promised. But the real gut punch for Cleveland wasn’t on the scoreboard, at the time. It was seeing LT Dawand Jones carted off the field. Yeah, it left the Dawg Pound scratching their heads, and maybe pulling out a tissue or two.

Here’s what went down. Wyatt Teller rolled up on Jones’ ankle, and it was immediately clear how bad it was. Team doctors rushed in with an air cast, while eagle-eyed fans caught Jones mouthing, “It’s broken.” Ouch.

Early reports offer little hope for the second-year tackle’s return. And it does not look good for the Browns… For a team desperate for O-line stability, this blow couldn’t come at a worse time—right before Thanksgiving. As if that wasn’t enough, they put CB Denzel Ward questionable with a chest injury, too. So, not only does Cleveland need to figure out what’s next for Jones’ hit. But they’ve also got a defense taking hits left and right. At this rate, the Browns aren’t just losing games—they’re losing key pieces faster than you can say “next man up.”

Sure, the Browns have not been howling like they do (the sluggish start, says it all), but the luck has not been on their side, either. They have been making do without key players. (If we say DeShaun Watson’s loss is big, Dawg Pound might sue us). And when Jedrick Wills Jr. went down with a knee injury, they made a move, shifting Dawand Jones to left tackle.

But just when it seemed like Jones was stepping up, the injury bug bit again. Wills’ knee flared up, forcing Jones into the spotlight. Alas, a nasty ankle injury, his season is likely done. For starters, the medics ruled him out for the game, and the Browns, trailing 6-14 at halftime against the Saints, were feeling the hit at the time.

If not Dawand Jones, then who?

Now, the question becomes: if not Dawand Jones, then who? Germain Ifedi, the backup swing tackle, stepped in. But if we are being real—he’s just that, a backup. While he’ll hold down the fort for now, the Browns desperately need Wills or Jone (or both) back in the starting lineup. Cleveland can’t afford to rely on Ifedi long term.

The Browns drafted Jones in 2023 and guess what? With only 2 sacks allowed and 3 penalties on the season, he announced himself like a heavyweight pro. His pass-blocking and run-blocking grades (78.5 and 82.9, respectively) speak for themselves. But now, with Jones sidelined, the Browns’ O-line depth is being tested like never before.

Can they keep their season alive with all these injuries piling up? Only time will tell, but if they can’t fix the O-line, this season might be toast.