Cleveland Browns starting center Nick Harris is likely out for the season, which only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position.
With Harris out, not only will Cleveland likely have to be without Watson to start the season, but also the man handing the ball to the quarterback on a snap-to-snap basis.
Per Adam Schefter, Harris suffered a season-ending injury in Friday’s preseason game: “Browns’ starting center Nick Harris suffered a likely season-ending knee injury on the second play of Friday night’s preseason game vs. the Jaguars, per Kevin Stefanski. Harris will get a second opinion to confirm injury and diagnosis,” Schefter tweeted.
FanSided’s Cody Williams discussed the impact on Harris’ potential injury on the night it occurred:
“Harris was slated to take over as the starting center on Cleveland’s stellar offensive line after the offseason departure of veteran JC Tretter. The former fifth-round pick out of Washington had impressed the coaching staff in recent seasons and appeared ready for the huge role in the offense. That makes this all the more painful to see.”
Nick Harris injury: Browns are a team in turmoil
In terms of the uncertainty involving Watson, Harris had nothing to do with it. But because the offensive line inevitably must protect the quarterback, Harris has everything to do with how Watson or the Browns QB who replaces him performs on the field.
For now, Jacoby Brissett would be slotted as the Week 1 starter. That is, assuming Cleveland doesn’t pull the trigger on a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, which at this point would be a shocker.
Ethan Pocic, who is a former Seattle Seahawk, is slated as the backup on Cleveland’s depth chart. He would be next man up in Harris’ absence, assuming they don’t pursue offensive line help elsewhere.
