Browns Rookie Could Have Tough Test Waiting In Week 1

The Cleveland Browns offensive line already faced enough scrutiny heading into Sunday, and now a fresh injury concern could force a rookie into a difficult spot right out of the gate. Teven Jenkins was limited at Wednesday’s practice before sitting out entirely on Thursday, putting his availability for the opener against the Jaguars in real doubt. If Jenkins cannot go, the Browns would turn to Austin Barber at right guard, a matchup that Cleveland Browns Daily’s Nathan Zegura says should have fans paying close attention.

Zegura broke down why that specific matchup stands out above everything else on Sunday.

“If Austin Barber starts this game at right guard before, three weeks ago, when he started to get some guard reps here, he had taken exactly two one-on-one reps at his freshman year at the University of Florida at a guard position. Two. That’s it, and he could be starting in this game and having going against Arik Armstead, who is a 12-year veteran who has been a very productive player in his 149 career games. That is matchup No. 1 for me,” Zegura said.

Two career reps at guard dating back to college is an extremely thin foundation for a player who may be asked to hold up against one of the more accomplished defensive linemen in the league.

Elgton Jenkins remains the anchor at center regardless of what happens with Teven Jenkins, and his experience becomes even more valuable if a rookie is thrust into a starting role next to him. Spencer Fano is already adjusting to the speed of the NFL at left tackle, and adding another first-year player into the mix on the interior only raises the degree of difficulty for an offense trying to establish rhythm early.

Jacksonville’s defensive front has shown it can generate pressure without needing to blitz heavily, and Armstead specifically has made a career out of winning matchups against less experienced blockers. If Barber is forced into action, how he holds up in that specific pairing could influence far more than just one series. It could shape how much Todd Monken is willing to ask of his offense in the passing game if the protection cannot hold.