Week 1 provides a tough test right out of the gate for the Dallas Cowboys as they head to Cleveland to take on the Browns.
However, Wednesday afternoon provided a little bit of relief for Dallas as one star Browns player let it be known he won’t be ready to face the Cowboys on Sunday.
Browns’ Jedrick Wills Gives Update on Status Ahead of Cowboys Matchup
The Browns know they have Micah Parsons to prepare for, and no matter who is out there playing, that is a tough task.
However, they will need to do it without their star left tackle, Jedrick Wills, who let the media know on Wednesday that he isn’t quite ready for game action.
Jedrick Wills let the cat out of the bag. He will not be starting at left tackle for the #Browns on Sunday vs. the Cowboys. That means either Jack Conklin or James Hudson will start. Wills today is practicing for the first time since suffering a knee injury last Nov. 5. pic.twitter.com/9X2PdQGk7l
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) September 4, 2024
“Oh no, I won’t be. I’m not starting this week. I’m just going out for indy (individual period) to see how it feels and to get back into things,” Wills stated simply.
Wills practiced for the first time Wednesday after suffering a knee injury on Nov. 5, 2023, and that long layoff, ahead of the quick turnaround to be ready for Week 1, add up to someone other than him starting at left tackle for the Browns on Sunday.
Next up for the Browns is either veteran Jack Conklin or James Hudson. Both will have their hands full with a Cowboys pass rush that features one of the most feared EDGEs in the NFL.
What Wills’ Absence Means for Cowboys Pass Rush
Any time you aren’t dealing with a full roster of healthy players, it’s going to have a natural impact, one way or the other. In the Browns’ case, it’s something they now have to deal with as they prepare to take on Parsons and the Cowboys without their starting left tackle.
While it’s simple enough to see the impact of losing a quality offensive lineman, you may need to take a closer look to see just how much of an impact this could truly have on the game.
FREE: Subscribe to PFN’s NFL Newsletter
Parsons typically lines up against the opponent’s left tackle, which puts him up against, in theory, a less talented player than the Cowboys were planning to see. That’s got to feel good for Dallas, especially with the domino effect it can cause.
If the Browns opt to move Conklin over to left tackle, that, in theory, puts two backups at two tackle spots, as they would need to fill Conklin’s void on the right side as well. If they keep Conklin where he is, that allows for Parsons and Co. to potentially feast on backup James Hudson III.
With DeMarcus Lawrence on the other side and veteran Carl Lawson in the mix, along with rookie Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys have a chance to disrupt Deshaun Watson all afternoon.
Parsons’ Mindset and Vision for the Season
There are several different ways things can unfold in this game that could benefit the Cowboys, and the unknown variable is exactly how Parsons and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer want it as they plan to move Parsons around with one goal in mind this season.
“It’s going to be exciting, I’m gonna say that,” Parsons told the media after practice. “It’s really not about the number (of sacks), it’s really about letting the world know, ‘This dude is really the best.’”
When discussing his excitement for his new role, Parsons is quick to credit Zimmer for his vision.
“I think we align. I think I just had to show Mike what I’m capable of and what I can do,” Parson said.
“Everything that he thought I would be, I probably have achieved that and more. He came up to me and said, ‘You say you want to do this, and you want to do that. If you just do this detailed stuff, you can be the best ever.’ … I think we have evolved in a good way.”
With the connection he has built and his own internal motivation to be an “assassin” this season, Parsons sounds as motivated as ever.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
“It’s the killer, the hitman, and the assassin,” Parsons said. “The killer is sloppy. He’s probably going to get caught. He’s not very good at what he does, but he’s a killer, you know? He’s raw in the streets.
“Then you’ve got the hitman. The hitman might not get caught, but you know who did it. He’s probably a little bit more clean.
“And the assassin, you don’t even know he’s there, you don’t even know he’s done it. Each time you really want to develop, and I think at this fourth-year mark, for me, I think I’m ready to be an assassin.”
It’s all metaphorical, of course, but Parsons’ mindset sounds like it should have quarterbacks on high alert this season.