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Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN
BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned Wednesday that offensive sort out Jedrick Wills Jr.’s remark that he made a “enterprise determination” in sitting out due to a lingering knee harm was a “poor alternative of phrases.”
Wills informed reporters Monday that it was his determination to not play in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 27 after he hyperextended his left knee — the identical one he had surgical procedure on in December 2023 — on the sport’s first play the earlier week in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Then, after the Browns (2-7) upset the Ravens with Dawand Jones at left sort out, Wills mentioned Stefanski informed him that he would not begin however as a substitute would function a swing sort out. He backed up each Jones and proper sort out Jack Conklin for the Nov. 3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stefanski mentioned he spoke with Wills in regards to the remark and that it was misunderstood.
“It was a poor alternative of phrases,” Stefanski mentioned. “I do know the connotation of ‘enterprise determination.’ That is not how he meant it. He didn’t really feel like he was close to 100% to assist us. However a poor alternative of phrases and he understands it.”
Stefanski additionally mentioned that Wills’ determination to sit down out the Ravens recreation just isn’t why he was benched, and his latest remark wouldn’t impression his capability to regain his beginning spot sooner or later. Stefanski has mentioned not too long ago that he plans to proceed beginning Jones, a 2023 fourth-round decide who has made his first two profession begins at left sort out.
A 2020 first-round draft select of Alabama, Wills, 25, had began all 57 video games through which he was wholesome earlier than the demotion. Wills is within the ultimate 12 months of a rookie contract that was restructured in March. The Browns would take an $11.8 million useless cap hit if he doesn’t re-sign.
The Related Press contributed to this report.