The Cleveland Browns have signed Kingsley Eguakun and he’s expected to start at center this week, per his former head coach.
The Browns claimed Eguakun off the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on Wednesday. Dan Campbell said that the Browns told Eguakun that he’s guaranteed a starting spot for their Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, which sealed the deal. Eguakun had been elevated for two weeks in a row and started for the Lions. But Campbell said he couldn’t guarantee that he’d be added to the 53-man roster and Eguakun liked the opportunity in Cleveland better.
“He liked the opportunity. So he felt like that was the right thing for him, and I wish him well. I love Kingsley, man. He’s a good dude, works his tail off, has been here for a couple of years,” Campbell said. “We’re not going to lie to anybody. I can’t guarantee a starting spot. We’re not going to do that. I can’t guarantee that. They guaranteed that, so it’s all good. It’s good for him.”
The Browns lost starting center Ethan Pocic for the year. Luke Wypler started last week for Cleveland. Kendrick Green is currently listed as the backup center. There’s a chance the Browns could push Wypler to guard, where they are also shorthanded, and have Eguakun start at center.
In any case, if Eguakun is in line to start on Sunday against the Bengals, he has to get to work in a hurry on learning the playbook.
Browns Bullish on Backup OL Zak Zinter
Another backup offensive lineman who could be in the mix is Zak Zinter, who was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2024. Zinter started three games as a rookie for the Browns but has not seen much of the field this season.
“He’s had players in front of him. He’s a young player who has worked very hard and is ready to go on a moment’s notice,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “While it hasn’t necessarily been represented in a lot of reps in the games, I do think it’s been a positive season.”
“Obviously, Zak played last season for us, has not played as much this year, but has been working extremely hard and I’m seeing a lot of that hard work show up in these games. So, I’m bullish on Zak.”
Browns Send Wyatt Teller to Injured Reserve
A roster spot was available for the Browns because they put veteran guard Wyatt Teller on injured reserve earlier in the day. Teller had been dealing with a calf injury and reaggravated it against the Steelers.
“Disappointed for it to end with an injury for Wyatt. He fought, rehabbed very hard to get back to playing in that one, then reaggravated that injury early in that game,” Stefanski said. “So that was disappointing for him and for us. Obviously, he’s played through a lot of injuries before in the past as well. He’s played really good football for us, so I’m disappointed that it ended a week early.”
Teller is in the final year of his contract. However, he’s expressed that he’d like to finish his career in Cleveland. Teller is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
Browns Make Rare Guarantee to Poach Week 18 Addition