Teven Jenkins is out against Jacksonville, forcing rookie Austin Barber into the lineup as Deshaun Watson returns behind Cleveland’s rebuilt offensive line.

The Cleveland Browns’ offensive line overhaul will get an immediate stress test Sunday against Jacksonville.

Starting right guard Teven Jenkins has been ruled out with a back injury, forcing rookie Austin Barber into the starting lineup for the Browns’ season opener. That means Deshaun Watson’s first regular-season start since 2024 will come behind an offensive line featuring two rookies.

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Barber joins first-round pick Spencer Fano, who is scheduled to start at left tackle.

Jenkins was limited in practice Wednesday before sitting out Thursday as his back issue worsened. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed Friday that Jenkins won’t be available against the Jaguars, opening the door for Barber to make his NFL debut in a significant role.

Monken hasn’t sounded concerned about throwing the rookie into the lineup.

Barber spent the offseason competing throughout Cleveland’s rebuilt offensive line room and entered Week 1 listed directly behind Jenkins at right guard on the Browns’ unofficial depth chart. The coaching staff believes the rookie has shown enough in practices and training camp to handle the assignment.

Cleveland’s entire offensive front looks dramatically different from a year ago.

Fano, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will protect Watson’s blind side. Zion Johnson is expected at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center and veteran Tytus Howard at right tackle, with Barber now filling the vacancy at right guard.

The pressure on that group increases because of Watson’s circumstances.

He hasn’t started a regular-season game since 2024, so keeping him comfortable and establishing the running game could be critical as Cleveland attempts to settle into Monken’s offense. Jacksonville will undoubtedly look for ways to attack the inexperienced side of the Browns’ protection.

There is another injury worth monitoring up front. Rookie center Parker Brailsford has been dealing with a thumb injury and entered the latter part of the practice week limited.

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Cleveland received better news defensively.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger has practiced fully despite a shoulder issue, while defensive tackle Maliek Collinshas also been working through a quad injury.

But Sunday’s biggest question may be directly in front of Watson.

The Browns spent the offseason rebuilding their offensive line. With Jenkins unavailable, they’ll find out immediately whether the new-look unit — and two rookie starters — is ready for the real thing.