Cleveland Browns: 5 players whose stock is up after Panthers nail-biter

J.C. Tretter

There was a point in the game center J.C. Tretter limped to the sideline with an apparent ankle injury.

Recently added backup, Kyle Kalis, started warming up.

Tretter was really the lineman excelling against the Panthers, so this would’ve been a total blow. No dissect to Kalis, but he’s new to the team. Taking out Tretter would’ve a been a disaster.

But by the time play resumed, Tretter was back on the field.

The Morning Journal’s Jeff Schudell tweeted  Tretter had been playing on a bad ankle since Oct. 14.

Actions speak louder than words, and this was huge for a Browns team that is still trying to change the culture of a beatdown franchise that’s done one thing consistently for the last 20 years: Loose.

Tretter wasn’t coming out, though. He battled. As did defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, who was playing with a biceps injury.

Decembers in Cleveland are known for horrible looking football. In the past, it’s been easy for players to sit out and collect the checks. But these two hung in there and saw a win through.

Tretter has been a great free-agent signing by GM John Dorsey. Pro Football Focus graded Tretter as the NFL’s sixth best center entering the contest.