The Cleveland Browns made a tough decision on Monday, placing offensive lineman Brian Allen on injured reserve due to a calf injury, effectively ending his season. This news comes as a blow to the team, as Allen was a new acquisition in May and was expected to make a significant impact on the offensive line.
Unfortunately, Allen suffered the calf injury during the third day of training camp, preventing him from taking the field for the Browns this season. In response to this setback, the Browns announced the signing of guard Zack Johnson to fill the void left by Allen’s absence.
Brian Allen, 28, was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. He played a crucial role in the Rams’ journey to a Super Bowl LVI championship in 2021, making 16 regular-season starts and four playoff appearances. However, Allen has struggled with injuries in recent years, missing a total of 22 games over the past two seasons due to various ailments such as knee and thumb injuries.
With Allen out for the season, the Browns will turn to centers Ethan Pocic and Luke Wypler to anchor the offensive line. Pocic, who started 15 games for Cleveland last season, brings experience and stability to the position. On the other hand, Wypler, a rookie in 2023, appeared in five games and made one start, showing promise for the future of the Browns’ offensive line.
Despite the setback of losing Brian Allen for the season, the Browns remain optimistic about the depth and talent of their offensive line. As they continue their preparations for the upcoming games, the team will rely on the versatility and resilience of players like Pocic and Wypler to fill the void left by Allen’s absence and maintain a strong presence in the trenches.
