How does the depth chart for Cleveland Browns look now?

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 season with a roster shaped by targeted free-agent additions and a young draft class. Fans checking the depth chart for Cleveland Browns find a mix of proven starters and untested backups at almost every position. The snapshot below reflects the active roster and injury designations reported through October 15.

Quarterback picture

Starter Deshaun Watson carries the bulk of first-team reps. Backup Joshua Dobbs serves as the immediate change if Watson misses time. Third-stringer Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains on the active roster but has not taken meaningful snaps this preseason.

Watson’s contract situation continues to shape offseason planning. The front office has kept Dobbs under a modest deal that allows flexibility at the position next year. Thompson-Robinson’s development will be watched closely during practice-squad elevations.

No major injury notes appear on the quarterback depth chart for Cleveland Browns at this stage. The staff has not hinted at a Week 1 rotation, keeping the hierarchy simple.

Running back depth

Nick Chubb leads the backfield after returning from last season’s knee procedure. Backup Kareem Hunt supplies short-yardage and third-down work. Rookie sixth-round pick Tyler McClatchy sits third on the depth chart for Cleveland Browns.

Chubb’s workload is expected to stay measured early. Hunt’s experience gives coordinators a proven change-of-pace option without dipping into the practice squad. McClatchy’s special-teams value could keep him active even on quiet offensive days.

Injury designations remain green across the running back room. The staff has listed Chubb as probable for the opener, with no activity restrictions noted on the latest injury report.

Wide receiver corps

Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy form the starting duo. Cedric Tillman and David Bell occupy the next tier, while undrafted rookie Michael Woods II rounds out the top five. The depth chart for Cleveland Browns shows no major changes from training camp.

Cooper’s veteran presence anchors the room. Jeudy’s speed stretches the field vertically, opening intermediate windows for Tillman and Bell. Woods II’s return skills give coordinators another option on special teams.

No wide receiver sits on the physically unable to perform list. The staff has not signaled any trade activity that would alter this alignment before the regular-season opener.

Tight end group

David Njoku remains the clear starter. Backup Harrison Bryant handles blocking duties and occasional receiving work. Third-stringer Thomas Odukoya provides depth but has not seen first-team reps.

Njoku’s receiving production influences play-action usage. Bryant’s run-blocking reliability keeps him on the field in two-tight-end sets. Odukoya’s practice-squad eligibility offers the staff roster flexibility if an injury arises.

The tight end depth chart for Cleveland Browns shows no injury concerns heading into the season. Njoku is expected to play every offensive snap unless the game script dictates otherwise.

Offensive line alignment

Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. anchors one edge. Left guard Joel Bitonio and center Ethan Pocic form the interior core. Right guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin complete the starting five.

Backup swing tackle James Hudson III can fill either tackle spot. Interior reserves Nick Harris and Hjalte Froholdt provide depth at guard and center. The line depth chart for Cleveland Browns lists no players on the reserve list.

Bitonio’s experience helps stabilize protections when Watson drops back. Conklin’s run-blocking grade improved last season, giving the ground game a reliable right-side push.

Defensive line front

Edge rusher Myles Garrett headlines the group. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and nose tackle Jordan Elliott occupy the interior. Second-year player Isaiah McGuire backs up Garrett on early downs.

Garrett’s presence forces opponents to chip or double-team, freeing linebackers in coverage. Tomlinson’s run-stuffing ability pairs with Elliott’s quick-twitch interior push. McGuire’s development will be measured by third-down pass-rush snaps.

The defensive line depth chart for Cleveland Browns shows no active injury designations. The staff has listed Garrett as a full participant in every practice this week.

Linebacker corps

Inside linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah start. Backup Sione Takitaki handles special-teams value and sub-package work. Rookie seventh-round pick JD Bertrand sits fourth on the depth chart.

Walker’s range lets Owusu-Koramoah drop into coverage more often. Takitaki’s core special-teams role keeps him active regardless of offensive usage. Bertrand’s practice-squad trajectory hinges on special-teams improvement.

No linebackers carry injury tags. The depth chart for Cleveland Browns reflects a healthy group entering the opener.

Secondary setup

Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr. start outside. Slot corner Greg Newsome II moves inside on nickel packages. Safeties Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill anchor the back end.

Ward’s man-coverage skills allow the defense to stay single-high. Emerson’s length helps against boundary receivers. Delpit’s range in the deep middle limits explosive plays down the seam.

The secondary depth chart for Cleveland Browns lists no players on injured reserve. The staff has not indicated any planned rotation at cornerback for Week 1.

Special teams units

Kicker Dustin Hopkins and punter Corey Bojorquez handle field position duties. Long snapper Charley Hughlett anchors the kicking operation. No competition for these spots appears on the current depth chart.

Hopkins’ accuracy inside 50 yards gives the offense manageable fourth-down decisions. Bojorquez’s directional punting helps pin opponents deep in their territory. Hughlett’s consistency keeps the specialists off injury reports.

The special teams depth chart for Cleveland Browns remains unchanged from training camp. The unit enters the season without reported injuries.

Outlook for the season

The depth chart for Cleveland Browns shows a roster built for early-season stability rather than bold reinvention. Quarterback health and offensive line continuity remain the clearest variables. If those two groups stay intact, the rest of the depth chart offers enough proven talent to compete in the AFC North.