The Cleveland Browns reportedly were trying to decide on the final starter for their offense well into their preparation for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Now, it looks like that decision might have been made for them.
The right guard spot remained up for grabs as veteran Teven Jenkins and rookie Austin Barber were the two players under consideration to complete Cleveland’s rebuilt offensive line. Jenkins seemed to be the de facto starter for most of the spring and summer, but he’ll be sitting out to begin the regular season.
Jenkins has been officially ruled out for Week 1 with a back injury, leaving Barber to make his NFL debut as a starter.
“The Browns have ruled out RG Teven Jenkins (back) for Week 1. Rookie Austin Barber is set to start at right guard. Rookie center Parker Brailsford (thumb) is questionable,” Daniel Oyefusi posted.
The Browns have ruled out RG Teven Jenkins (back) for Week 1. Rookie Austin Barber is set to start at right guard.
Rookie center Parker Brailsford (thumb) is questionable.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 11, 2026
The Browns were sorting out their offensive line through the end of the preseason with the intention to play the best five players, regardless of position. With Jenkins missing some time during training camp, and KT Leveston and Dawand Jones unable to step up and seize the job from him, Cleveland made the decision to experiment with Barber at guard after the third-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft exclusively played tackle at the University of Florida.
Barber may have earned the job even without Jenkins’ injury, as he seemed to adapt very well to the position change. It means that the Browns will start two rookies on their offensive line, with first-round pick Spencer Fano at left tackle.
They will join Tytus Howard at right tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, and Elgton Jenkins at center. The three seasoned NFL veterans were acquired during the offseason, and they should be able to help out their young teammates on the road in Jacksonville.
Teven Jenkins was re-signed by the Browns this offseason after playing his first season with them in 2025. His absence could push Jones and Zak Zinter into important roles should someone on the line get injured or just need a rest from the Florida heat, with a real feel temperature of more than 100 degrees expected.
It will be a tough assignment for Barber and his teammates as they look to open the season on a positive note.
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