BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Wednesday that offensive deal with Jedrick Wills Jr.’s remark that he made a “enterprise determination” in sitting out due to a lingering knee damage was a “poor alternative of phrases.”
Wills instructed reporters Monday that it was his determination to not play towards 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 towards the Cincinnati Bengals.
Then, after the Browns (2-7) upset the Ravens with Dawand Jones at left deal with, Wills stated Stefanski instructed him that he would now not begin however as a substitute would function a swing deal with. He backed up each Jones and proper deal with Jack Conklin for the Nov. 3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Stefanski stated he spoke with Wills in regards to the remark and that it was misunderstood.
“It was a poor alternative of phrases,” Stefanski stated. “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 stated that Wills’ determination to take a seat out the Ravens sport shouldn’t be why he was benched, and his current remark wouldn’t influence his capacity to regain his beginning spot sooner or later. Stefanski has stated just lately that he plans to proceed beginning Jones, a 2023 fourth-round decide who has made his first two profession begins at left deal with.
A 2020 first-round draft select of Alabama, Wills, 25, had began all 57 video games by which he was wholesome earlier than the demotion. Wills is within the remaining 12 months of a rookie contract that was restructured in March. The Browns would take an $11.8 million lifeless cap hit if he doesn’t re-sign.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
