Cleveland Browns: 6 practice squad players who could be called up in 2020
By Chad Porto
QB Garrett Gilbert
There was a time when every NFL team carried three quarterbacks. You never wanted to be down to your last quarterback on your depth chart if your starter got hurt. After all, we’ve seen it before, where both the starter and backup get hurt. The third quarterback is an insurance policy you never want to have, but are glad you do. Kinda like that ‘Act of God’ policy. You don’t see the point in it until that tree finally falls on your car. That’s why carrying three quarterbacks is a solid philosphy.
It’s really unthinkable to believe that neither Baker Mayfield nor Case Keenum won’t get hurt at some point this season. Even if it’s just for a single game. At some time during the season, you gotta think they’ll need Garrett Gilbert. It’s a bit baffling to only carry two quarterbacks in the NFL, but it’s now become the trend.
FB Johnny Stanton
This one seems the most likely out of all the names on this list. With the emphasis on running the ball, and the ability for Stanton to really play anywhere on the field, save for wide receiver, it seems almost inevitable that Stanton doesn’t spend at least a few games on the Cleveland Browns main roster at some point this season.
He’s tall enough to play on the line as a tight end, strong enough to line up as a fullback, athletic enough to be a running back, and can actually throw the ball, as he was a college quarterback for his entire career. He’s even shown the ability to tackle with some good efficiency, so special teams or even spot plays on defense are within his wheelhouse. He’s still a developing prospect but one that could be a full-time 53-man guy soon enough.