Browns cut to 80: Team places 3 on the injured reserved while waiving 2 others

The Browns are officially down to 80 players.

The Browns have officially cut their roster down to 80 players on Monday. While they only waived two players, three others were stashed away on the injured reserved list, following last week’s trend of waiving three and designating two others on the IR.

This week saw yet another tight end, Connor Davis, end up on the IR with shoulder issues. Recently waived, then re-signed linebacker Montrel Meander is done with an Achilles injury, while incumbent kicker Cody Parkey is out with a quad injury. Offensive tackle Alex Taylor and wide receiver Alexander Hollins were both waived on Monday, with Taylor getting an injury designation.

This has set the Browns up for a final cut next Monday, where 27 players will need to be let go.

While the team has put half of the “cut” players on IR, it should be noted that any player that goes on IR before the final cut may not be used at all this season. Players can only return from IR in the season if they’re placed on it after making the final team.

From Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network;

"Worth noting: As in the past, only players on the 53-man roster after cutdown are eligible to be designated for return from IR (or NFI). Limits “stashing” scenarios. So, this year that’s anytime after 4 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Sept. 1.”"

That means that none of the players who hit IR are coming back this year. It does limit any other team from acquiring them but that’s like keeping a toy in the package. Sure, it’s safe, but where’s the fun in that?

There’s also a rumor going around from the Browns side of SportsNation that Robert Jackson was cut, but the Browns official website does not mention him being released.

The injuries at tight end should make Johnny Stanton likely to make the roster

The Browns lost two tight ends so far in Connor Davis and Stephen Carlson. Carlson was the Browns’ 4th tight end and the squad’s overall best blocker, while Davis was starting to show up in the preseason games. It’s no surprise that Johnny Stanton should now be considered a heavy favorite to make the team, as his versatility allows him to move around where needed. He can play running back, H-Back, fullback, and yes, even tight end. He’s a force with the ball in his hands and considering how good Andy Janovich has looked in recent weeks, it’d be foolish to let either go. Stanton can play anywhere on offense, so use that to your advantage.

For Meander, this was his third chance to make the team, and while he’s on IR and can’t be claimed, it seems unlikely he’ll ever be a full-time Brown’s player. Alex Taylor was largely unimpressive and Alexander Hollins unfortunately just played behind a deep corp of receivers.

The Browns losing Cody Parkey was a blow, as Chase McLaughlin is a pretty below-average NFL kicker. It wouldn’t be surprising to see guys get tryouts this week or for a trade to happen. McLaughlin is a sub 80% kicker and is on his seventh team in just two years.