Browns Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman as Jack Conklin Injury Insurance

After undergoing knee surgery back in December, Jack Conklin is eyeing his return to the Cleveland Browns' starting lineup. Conklin's status is still very much in the air for a Week 1 contest against the Carolina Panthers, but the front office opted for some injury insurance on Sunday.

The Browns reportedly signed veteran offensive lineman Joe Haeg just a few days after his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jack Conklin Injury Update

Haeg also met with the Las Vegas Raiders, but opted to sign in Cleveland instead.

The #Browns are signing veteran OL Joe Haeg, source says. With RT Jack Conklin working his way back from knee surgery, Haeg provides depth at tackle and he can play guard, too. Haeg met with the #Raiders last week but heads to Cleveland instead.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 4, 2022

This news could be viewed in one of two ways for Browns fans. The team is either not confident in Conklin's Week 1 status, or this is merely an opportunity to provide sound insurance should their right tackle face any issues upon his return.

Conklin played only seven games a year ago because of a torn patellar tendon he suffered in late November. The 2021 campaign wasn't kind for Conklin from an injury standpoint, as the two-time All-Pro had already missed time with a with a dislocated elbow.

Browns News

Haeg may not possess All-Pro talents, but he's a savvy veteran who can offer the Browns' staff flexibility on the offensive line. The 2016 fifth-round pick is a tackle by trait, but can play guard if needed. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts and spent time with the Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Week 1 will be a good test for Conklin and fans are eager to see if he's cleared for full action, or will be held on any sort of snap count.

This is just one of many storylines stemming from Browns camp in Week 1, headlined by an immediate matchup with former quarterback Baker Mayfield. For now, the Browns enter this Week 1 clash as 2.5-point road underdogs (+118 on the moneyline), according to NFL Odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.