Billy

Winn

It is apparently not season-ending for the rotational lineman, with the Pack hoping he returns when first eligible in Week 17. Winn’s loss thins the Packers’ depth but is a loss they can withstand for the time being.

Now on the wrong side of 30, Winn missed all of 2019 with a torn tricpes. Knee injuries wiped out his 2017-18. Sadly, Winn is on his way out of the NFL.

Winn is likely headed for surgery, but there is no set return date. It’s another serious injury for Winn, who suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus two years ago. Winn’s chances of making an active NFL roster have been cut dramatically.

Winn hasn’t appeared in a game since 2016 after major knee surgery. The Broncos were confident enough in his health to take a flyer on him and he should be cleared for the start of camp. Winn is far from a roster lock, but he’s in the mix for a run-stopping role.

Winn has not made an NFL appearance since tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus during the preseason opener while with the Broncos in 2017. He will compete for a spot on the end of the roster.

Standing at 6'4/294, Winn has a good build and is quick, but there have been questions about his work ethic. He’ll step in as a reserve on Cleveland’s defensive line. The Browns also added John Hughes to the defensive tackle position back in Round 3.

Winn was ranked as a third-round value by ESPN’s Todd McShay and PFW’s Nolan Nawrocki, but slid in the draft to work ethic and “tweener” concerns. Boasting above-average athleticism for a 6'4", 294-pound tackle, Winn may beat third-rounder John Hughes to the punch in replacing Phil Taylor (torn pectoral).

If so, he could easily end up not playing in 2012. Taylor will almost certainly begin the year on the PUP list, but could be transferred to injured reserve soon after Week 6 if Cleveland’s season is already in the tank. Browns beat writer Tony Grossi expects Scott Paxson to open OTAs as Taylor’s fill-in, but for rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn to push for snaps.

The Browns drafted Hughes as a rotational tackle, but with Phil Taylor (torn pectoral) expected to open the season on PUP, Hughes and Billy Winn each have a chance to start. Browns GM Tom Heckert indicated he doesn’t feel compelled to sign a veteran. Currently, Scott Paxson is working as the first-team nose tackle. Rubin is the starting three technique.

After first trying out for the NFL in 2006, Paxson spent time on the practice squads of the Steelers and Packers. He played all 16 games for the Browns last season, albeit in a reserve role. Paxson appears to have the early edge on rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn to fill in for starter Phil Taylor (torn pectoral).