Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller was placed on injured reserve by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. Teller will not be able to play for the Browns (1-2) for at least the next four games due to the relocation. Teller hurt his knee during Cleveland’s 21-15 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday in the third quarter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski did not extend the same courtesy to All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett (Achilles, thigh, foot) when he first told media that Teller would not be playing this Sunday against the host Las Vegas Raiders (1-2). This season, Garrett, 28, has racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles. With ninety-five career sacks, the defensive player of the year and five-time Pro Bowl pick has a stellar resume. Teller, 29, has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2021–2023 and has started 78 of the 86 games he has played in for the Buffalo Bills and Browns (2018). The Browns added lineman Germain Ifedi from the practice squad to the active roster on Wednesday as well. The 30-year-old Ifedi participated in two Cleveland games this year. Since being chosen by the Seattle Seahawks with the 31st overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft, he has appeared in 104 games, starting 83 of them for four different teams. Along with signing tackles Ricky Lee III and Sebastian Gutierrez, as well as defensive end Elerson Smith, to the practice squad, the Browns also released linebacker Luiji Vilain. –Media at the Field Level
The Cleveland Browns have officially placed guard Wyatt Teller on injured reserve (IR) due to a knee injury, a significant blow to their offensive line. Teller, one of the league’s premier guards, has been a key component in Cleveland’s offensive success over the past few seasons. Known for his physicality and ability to dominate in both the run game and pass protection, Teller’s absence is expected to have a major impact on the team’s offensive productivity.
The Browns made the announcement regarding Teller’s IR status on [specific date], confirming that the knee injury he sustained will sideline him for at least four weeks. NFL rules require players placed on IR to miss a minimum of four games before they are eligible to return. This comes at a particularly challenging time for Cleveland, as they are fighting to stay competitive in the AFC North, a division known for its stout defenses and high-stakes matchups.
Teller’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of Cleveland’s offensive line has been remarkable. Drafted in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, he was traded to the Browns in 2019, and over the last few seasons, he has developed into one of the top interior linemen in the NFL. His impressive play earned him Pro Bowl honors in both 2021 and 2022, and he has been recognized as one of the most physical and reliable players on Cleveland’s roster. His ability to open up running lanes and protect the quarterback has been pivotal, especially for a team that relies heavily on its running game with stars like Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
The injury could have significant ramifications for the Browns’ offense, particularly in their run game. Teller has been instrumental in creating running lanes for the Browns’ rushers, particularly in their zone-blocking scheme. His powerful presence on the interior line is often credited for helping Nick Chubb excel as one of the league’s top running backs. With Teller sidelined, the Browns will likely turn to backup options to fill the void, though it will be difficult to replicate his level of play.
From a pass-protection standpoint, Teller’s absence could also create additional pressure for quarterback Deshaun Watson. While the Browns’ offensive line remains one of the better units in the NFL, losing a key player like Teller could lead to more vulnerabilities against strong defensive fronts. In a division where teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals all boast formidable defensive lines, the Browns will need to make adjustments to keep Watson upright and the offense moving.
As Teller begins his recovery, the Browns will be hoping for a swift and successful rehabilitation process. However, it remains uncertain how quickly he will return to the form that has made him one of the league’s elite guards. In the meantime, Cleveland must look to other members of their offensive line to step up and maintain the level of play that has kept them competitive in the AFC North.
The Browns are no strangers to overcoming adversity, but Teller’s injury represents a serious challenge as they look to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth. His presence on the field has been a game-changer for Cleveland, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
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