Sometimes a loss is not reflected on the scoreboard. For the Cleveland Browns, that reality hit hard when starting offensive tackle Dawand Jones went down just four plays into Sunday’s 13-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers. What followed only added to the frustration: the NFL admitted officials missed a penalty that could have prevented the season-ending injury.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Monday that Jones hurt his knee and will need surgery, ending his 2025 season. Later, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot revealed the league acknowledged safety Javon Bullard should have been flagged for diving into Jones’ legs. She said, “Kevin Stefanski said the NFL told him that safety Javon Bullard should’ve been penalized for diving into LT Dawand Jones’ legs.“ League rules prohibit defenders from initiating contact below the waist against an offensive player outside the tight end box. But this one slipped through the cracks.

It marks the third straight season Jones has suffered a season-ending injury. Drafted in 2023, he tore his meniscus in his rookie season, then fractured his leg in 2024, missing the final 10 games of the season, and now faces another grueling rehab. “He’ll battle back,” Stefanski said. “He’ll rehab and be ready to roll, but we’re disappointed for him.”

The timing makes matters worse. Jones had shifted to right tackle to replace injured veteran Jack Conklin, who remains day-to-day with an elbow issue. With Jones out, KT Leveston filled in while Cornelius Lucas stayed on the left side. Kevin Stefanski said the team will sort through its options, but the depth chart is already under strain.

For a Browns squad chasing stability in the trenches, the NFL’s admission doesn’t heal the loss. Instead, it leaves Cleveland with a bitter truth: a missed flag has now reshaped their offensive line for the rest of the season.

Now, the Browns are looking at the free-agent market to fill the gap in their defense.

Kevin Stefanski opens the door for La’el Collins after Cleveland’s injury crisis

The Cleveland Browns can’t catch a break in the trenches. Just days after losing left tackle Dawand Jones to a season-ending knee injury, the team is already scrambling for answers. With Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin also banged up, Cleveland’s offensive line depth looks dangerously thin.

One name that’s making waves on the free-agent market is La’el Collins. This veteran tackle has started 86 games in his career and brings a mix of versatility and leadership. Originally signed by the Cowboys back in 2015, Collins made the switch from guard to tackle and quickly became a cornerstone of Dallas’s offensive line. Remarkably, he didn’t miss a single offensive snap in 2017 and 2018. After his time in Dallas, he joined the Bengals, where he started 15 games in 2022 before a knee injury cut his season short.

Since then, Collins has been a bit of a journeyman. His journey includes a stint at Buffalo’s training camp and a recent preseason run with Dallas before being released on August 24. However, his ability to play both right and left tackle makes him a perfect fit for a Browns team that’s in dire need of some stability.

The Browns recently added Thayer Munford Jr. from New England’s practice squad, but the youth movement alone won’t protect 40-year-old Joe Flacco. Veteran Cornelius Lucas has struggled, and the team needs more reliability on the edge. Collins could fill that gap while also mentoring young linemen.

Known for his work ethic, Collins was praised in Dallas for helping younger players develop after practice. That mix of toughness and leadership could be exactly what Cleveland needs right now.

The Browns don’t have time to wait. Signing Collins may not be a flashy move, but it could be the difference between keeping their season alive.