Browns: Team retains potential contributors on practice squad

The Browns made some smart moves not letting key guys leave.

The Browns were wise to not let some of the cut players escape their grasp. The team announced (via Browns Wire)that 11 players joined the practice squad following the end of the preseason. Of those 11, 10 of the wereplayers the team waived to get to the 53 man limit.

The one loan player to come over from another team so far is quarterback Nick Mullens. There’s a rumor from Aaron Wilson that a 12th player, offensive linemen Jordan Steckler, has also signed on but that’s been unconfirmed by the team as of now.

The 10 returning players are LB Elijah Lee, DE Porter Gustin, TE Jordan Franks, WR JoJo Natson, DE Curtis Weaver, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, DT Sheldon DAy, S Javaonte Moffat, RB John Kelly and Utlity Johnny Stanton.

Under league rules, the team can protect four players every week, keeping teams from trying to sign anyone.

Fans should expect the Browns to bring ssmeone over instantly

With rumors of one, if not two players going to the IR at some point in the next few days, the Browns may be reading to bring over someone full time once the decesion has been made. Jacob Phillips is one such name that is rumored to be heading to the IR.

Philips, and possibly an offensive linemen may be bound for the IR, as the team carried an abnormally bountiful group of linemen and linebackers this year. Most teams carry eight or nine offensive linemen per game, while the Browns have 10 currently. With linebackers five, maybe six at most but the Browns have seven.

That seems to imply that someone(s) is going to the IR relatievely soon.

It could re-open the door for fan favorites Gustin and Stanton to rejoin the team for most of the season.

It’ll be curious to see how Cleveland shuffles its roster around, but fans should be thankful that Cleveland were able to retain guys like Day, Stanton, Gustin and Natson. They may just end up helping the Browns get over the hump.