The Cleveland Browns have added some extra depth to their offensive line, signing Kendrick Green.
The Browns signed Green off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad to the active roster. He can play either guard or center, which is needed with the Browns struggling with injuries along the offensive line.
Green, 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, is in his fifth NFL season out of Illinois. A third-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2021, he has appeared in 36 career games with the Steelers (2021-22) and Texans (2023-24).
The Browns have lost almost their entire starting offensive line. Dawand Jones, Ethan Pocic and Jack Conklin are out for the season. Wyatt Teller has missed three straight games but was on a rotation with Teven Jenkins last time he was active. Veteran guard Joel Bitonio, the longest tenured Browns player, has started every game.
Browns Veteran Joel Bitonio Not Named to Pro Bowl
With so much shuffling on the offensive line, Bitonio has remained the rock for the unit. He’s in his 12th season and is still playing at a very high level, despite not being named to the Pro Bowl.
“Joel’s a Hall of Famer, but he’s playing at an extremely high level this season as well. Does not look like he’s fallen off at all,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I know the rules are a little bit different now with the Pro Bowl as it relates to the roster for offensive line and defensive line, which is a little interesting, I guess you would say. But he’s a Pro Bowler, whether it’s in name or otherwise, he’s a Hall of Famer.”
Bitonio has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, including Myles Garrett.
“He’s just steady and consistent,” Garrett said. “He’s always the same. Love seeing that big ol’ smile on him. Every time he’s in the game, you never see him put his head down. You always see him attack every day like he attacks defensive players. He just stays a consistent character in the locker room. And anytime he goes out there, you just feel a little more comfortable.”
Browns Looking for Protection to Propel Passing Game
The Browns offense has been unable to get on track. It stems from a lack of protection up front, which offensive coordinator Tommy Rees pointed to when asked about the unit’s struggles.
“It starts with our ability to protect,” Rees said. “Our ability to protect the passer is going to be critical. And that’s the quarterback, that’s the tight ends, that’s the receivers getting open, that’s the backs in protection and obviously the O-line. But protection against this group is everybody. It’s getting open on time; it’s playing on time. It’s everybody that’s part of the core being in protection. So that will allow us to have a chance in the passing game.”
Sanders has shown some upside but has struggled in the last two games. He’s passed for 334 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions. However, Sanders has shown a keen ability to make plays with his legs and to make plays off schedule.
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