4. Eric Kush
Eric Kush needs a great game, perhaps more than anybody. If he can be a protector at right guard, then life will be easier for Baker Mayfield. If life is easy for Mayfield, the Browns probably go on to Victory Monday.
After the competition for the starting right guard spot played out, Kush won, but it seems like he fell into the job because nobody else claimed it. Austin Corbett has been relegated to backup duties and is looking like a bust. Kyle Kalis, who suffered a concussion against the Redskins was eventually waived.
General manager John Dorsey made some trades to bolster the line’s depth, but no one appears ready to replace Kush.
For what it’s worth, Kush started for last year’s Bears team, which went on to make the playoffs. So, at least the Dawg Pound can take solace in that he’s played at a high level. He’s not some backup trying to crack the starting lineup.