Pittsburgh Steelers' next opponent loses promising starting OT for the season

The Cleveland Browns will be without one of their key starting offensive tackles from now on, including for both games against the Pittsburgh Steelers . Offensive tackle Dawand Jones suffered a fractured ankle after being rolled up on against the New Orleans Saints, which will require season-ending surgery, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game.

Jones had played in ten games and started eight for the Browns, steadily improving over the last few weeks. The Browns made Jedrick Wills a healthy inactive after he decided not to play as a business decision, but even his knee has swelled up and is an issue.

For the Steelers, that could mean the Browns would start their third-string left tackle. The Browns will unlikely have to see Alex Highsmith , who is still battling a severe low ankle sprain. Nick Herbig and Preston Smith could still give the Browns trouble, however.

The Browns have struggled to keep up in pass protection even with Jones in the lineup, and now, without him there, it will only hurt their offense that much more. With the Steelers having just four days to get ready for the Browns after a physical game after the Ravens, Pittsburgh will still need to be ready for anything.

BETTING: