Cleveland Browns may start five new offensive linemen against Jacksonville Jaguars

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 10:07 AM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Cleveland Browns may start five new offensive linemen against Jacksonville Jaguars
Summary

The Cleveland Browns could field an entirely new offensive line for their 2026 NFL season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13. Should rookie Austin Barber start at right guard, the team will become the fourth non-expansion franchise since 1970 to open a season with five starters who were not on the roster the previous year. This configuration follows a period of overhaul for the team, which also sees quarterback Deshaun Watson returning to play for the first time in nearly 23 months. Teven Jenkins, the current front-runner for the right guard spot, has missed recent practices due to a back injury. The group includes Spencer Fano, Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, and Tytus Howard, all of whom are new to the organization this season.

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Status Watch
  • The Browns face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13.
  • Cleveland could start five new offensive linemen if Austin Barber earns the right guard spot.
  • Quarterback Deshaun Watson returns to action after a lengthy absence due to injury.
  • Teven Jenkins missed practice time this week with a back injury.
  • The 2004 Chargers, 2014 Dolphins, and 2021 Chiefs are the only other non-expansion teams to start five new linemen in a season opener.
Latest Updates
  • 10:07 AMYahoo SportsBrowns' O-line experiment under microscope, may make history | Opinion
What they're saying
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The Cleveland Browns could have five starters on their offensive line in Week 1 who didn't play for them last season. How rare would that be?

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