The Cleveland Browns got more bad news on the injury front today. While dealing with starting left tackle Jedrick Wills ankle issue for weeks, the loss of backup Chris Hubbard had become more problematic as the weeks went by.
When Hubbard was first injured in Week 1, the Browns didn’t place him on the injured reserve creating hope that he could be back in a couple of weeks but would not miss three weeks.
Instead, Hubbard was ruled out for Week 5 earlier today.
Given the amount of games he has missed, the team would have benefited from an extra roster spot but placing Hubbard on the injured reserve.
Now comes news that the team’s primary backup on the offensive line is expected to miss the rest of the season due to his triceps injury:
#Browns OL Chris Hubbard is expected to have season-ending surgery on his triceps, sources say. The injury he tried to play through never quite healed, and this is the best course of action. A hit to OL depth.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2021
With Hubbard out and Wills significantly limited, he did not practice all week, the Cleveland offense will be left with Blake Hance or James Hudson III at left tackle most likely in Week 5.
Wills ankle injury has not gotten better since initially hurt in Week 1 and could continue to be a problem going forward. With Hubbard’s injury, it will be interesting if Andrew Berry tries to make a trade for a veteran, quality backup tackle.
For now, the Browns go into Los Angeles with Wills questionable, Hubbard going on injured reserve and a lot of hopes riding on unproven backups.
