The Cleveland Browns gave right tackle Dawand Jones a questionable tag for Week 11, but the rookie said he believes he’ll play against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot he’s “good to go” this weekend but that his availability is “up to [Browns head coach] Kevin Stefanski.” Jones missed the Browns’ Week 10 match against the Baltimore Ravens with knee and shoulder injuries but was upgraded to a limited participant for Thursday’s practice after a DNP on Wednesday.
The Browns need Jones for their AFC North match with the Steelers. The winner of that game will take over the second-place slot in the division behind the Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland will also need a fully healthy offensive line to protect rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who will start for the injured Deshaun Watson for at least one week.
Jones has been a solid starter for the Browns since he took over for Jack Conklin following the veteran’s season-ending knee injury in Week 1. James Hudson III started Week 10 in place of Jones and struggled against Jadeveon Clowney. Whoever starters at right tackle in Week 11 will face a potent Pittsburgh pass rush that features T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Jones faced Watt back in Week 2 and only allowed one sack against the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Friday’s practice will be very telling regarding Jones’ prognosis for Week 11.
