Story perspectives

Browns Start Five New Offensive Linemen vs Jaguars

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 11:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Cleveland Browns will start five brand-new offensive linemen against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They become the fourth non-expansion team since 1970 to start five new O-linemen.
Rookie Spencer Fano, 2025 Outland Trophy winner, starts left tackle.
Zion Johnson starts left guard after the Chargers allowed 60 sacks last season.
Packers player Elgton Jenkins starts center despite fracturing a left fibula on Nov 10, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 AFL–NFL merger combined the two leagues into a 26-team NFL and placed the Cleveland Browns, along with the Steelers and Colts, into the new American Football Conference. That realignment prompted the Browns to replace most of their offensive line with rookies, a strategy that helped lower sacks that season. Today’s five-man rookie line echoes that 1970 overhaul as the team seeks similar protection.

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Story summary

The Cleveland Browns will start five brand-new offensive linemen against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They become the fourth non-expansion team since 1970 to start five new O-linemen.
Rookie Spencer Fano, 2025 Outland Trophy winner, starts left tackle.
Zion Johnson starts left guard after the Chargers allowed 60 sacks last season.
Packers player Elgton Jenkins starts center despite fracturing a left fibula on Nov 10, 2025.

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