The Cleveland Browns have one of the NFL's better offensive lines, but they're down a starter on the inside.
Guard Shawn Lauvaounderwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle Friday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reported, per a league source. Loose cartilage was removed during the procedure, which is expected to sideline Lauvao for about six weeks, Cabot reported.
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Lauvao, 25, was carted off the practice field Monday after he was hurt in a one-on-one blocking drill with defensive lineman Phil Taylor. Third-year pro Jason Pinkston took Lauvao's spot in Thursday's 27-19 preseason win over the St. Louis Rams and likely will stay in the role for at least the first two or three regular-season games. John Greco is penciled in at left guard.
The Browns' young offensive line was productive last season. It graded out as the league's fifth-best pass-blocking unit and in the top half of the NFL as run blockers. There's enough depth here to survive Lauvao's absence for a stretch, but another injury would stir trouble.
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