The Cleveland Browns are facing a major concern after center Ethan Pocic suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Browns had their starters on the field to prepare for the regular season, but Pocic’s early exit has raised alarms.
According to the NFL’s official report, Pocic was ruled out of the game after injuring his knee in the first quarter. The incident occurred on a third-and-9 play when Rams defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson collided with Pocic’s leg as he was blocking linebacker Brennan Jackson. Pocic had only played eight snaps alongside starting quarterback Joe Flacco before leaving the game.
This injury poses a significant challenge for Cleveland as they approach their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. Pocic, a second-round pick by the Seahawks in 2017, is a key figure on the Browns’ offensive line and has been with the team since 2022. Over his eight-year NFL career, he’s played in 101 games and started 84. This season is especially critical for the 30-year-old, who’s entering the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract signed in 2023.
Following Pocic’s departure, Luke Wypler stepped in at center. The 2023 sixth-round pick has limited experience, having played just five games and made one start. Wypler also missed the entire 2024 season due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
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