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How will Browns fill massive hole on offensive line?
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

How will Browns fill massive hole on offensive line?

The Browns received some bad news on Monday as one of the pillars of their offensive line is expected to miss an extended period of time. How will they fill the massive hole that is left?

Left tackle Jedrick Wills, Cleveland's 2020 first-round pick, reportedly suffered a high-grade MCL sprain, low-grade PCL sprain and bone bruises in the team's Week 9 win over the Cardinals. The injuries are expected to sideline the 6-foot-4, 307-pound offensive tackle for "roughly six weeks."

All in all, it is good news as Wills will return this season after a stint on injured reserve, and the Browns will surely need him back in an as competitive as ever AFC North. But who will fill in during his absence?

Enter offensive tackle James Hudson III, a fourth-round pick by the Browns in 2021. Hudson hasn't allowed a sack in 102 offensive snaps played this season, per Pro Football Focus.

It's a small sample size, but Cleveland needs him to continue playing at a high level, especially with QB Deshaun Watson still recovering from a shoulder injury that has lingered for much of the season.

If Hudson III can help keep Watson upright, the Browns will continue to have a shot at making the playoffs and maybe even winning the division. 

However, he and the rest of Cleveland's offensive line have quite the test in Week 10 when it takes on the Ravens (7-2), who lead the league in sacks (35).

Hudson III isn't the only backup offensive lineman starting against Baltimore. Rookie right tackle Dawand Jones has been filling in for Jack Conklin, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season opener.

It's certainly not the position the Browns wanted to find themselves in against the AFC North's top team, but both players have shown promise and could be big reasons why they could upset the Ravens in Week 10.

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