Ethan Pocic, Jerome Ford Injury Update: Did the Browns Stars Play Their Final Snap in Cleveland?

The Cleveland Browns placed Ethan Pocic and Jerome Ford on injured reserve on December 10, ending both of their seasons and raising questions about their long-term future in Cleveland. The move followed the team’s 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans at home, where both players suffered injuries that require extended recovery time.

The decision removes two veterans from a roster already facing depth concerns. Both players are pending free agents, which increases the possibility that Sunday’s game was the final appearance for each in a Browns uniform.

Browns Lose Ethan Pocic and Jerome Ford for the Season

Ethan Pocic suffered an Achilles injury against Tennessee and required surgery. He has started all 57 games he has played across four seasons with the Browns. Team officials must now evaluate whether to re-sign the 30-year-old center or transition fully to Luke Wypler, who remains on his rookie contract. Wypler will start the final four games as Cleveland evaluates its long-term plan at the position.

Jerome Ford was also placed on injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury. He has served primarily as a returner and third-down pass protector this season. Ford has appeared in 57 career games with the Browns, starting 18, and has produced 1,463 rushing yards and seven touchdowns since entering the league in 2022. His best year came in 2023 with 813 rushing yards after Nick Chubb’s early-season injury.

Ford’s absence creates an immediate depth issue in the backfield. Cleveland will likely increase the workload for Raheim Sanders on passing downs, with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson handling early-down duties. The Browns have remaining games against the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals, a challenging stretch without two experienced contributors.

Trusted outlets such as AP and Reuters have noted league-wide concerns about late-season injuries impacting playoff races. Cleveland now faces that same challenge, losing two veterans at a critical point in the schedule.

How These Losses Affect the Browns Moving Forward

The season-ending injuries create immediate and long-term consequences for Cleveland. Pocic leaves a significant gap in the middle of the offensive line, especially in pass protection and communication. Wypler will have an extended audition that may determine whether the Browns address center in free agency.

Ford’s absence may be felt most on third downs, where pass protection and reliability are crucial. The Browns must now rely on inexperienced options to handle blitz pickups as Shedeur Sanders continues his first-year development.

The Browns sit at a critical point in their season, and the loss of Pocic and Ford complicates their push through the final four games. Both players’ futures remain uncertain as they enter free agency with injuries.

The Browns move ahead with adjusted depth charts and rising questions about roster planning. The Ethan Pocic, Jerome Ford injury update underscores the shifting landscape for a team managing adversity late in the season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Ethan Pocic?

Pocic suffered an Achilles injury that required surgery. The recovery timeline ruled him out for the final four games, leading to his placement on injured reserve.

Q2: Why was Jerome Ford placed on injured reserve?

Ford suffered a shoulder injury against the Titans. The injury will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Q3: Who will replace Ethan Pocic at center?

Luke Wypler is expected to start the final four games. The Browns will evaluate his performance as they plan future roster decisions.

Q4: How will the Browns adjust their running back rotation?

Raheim Sanders is expected to take more third-down snaps. Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson will also see expanded roles.

Q5: Could Pocic and Ford return to Cleveland next season?

Both players are pending free agents. Their return will depend on contract discussions, health progress, and roster needs.