The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive tackle Chris Williams to the practice squad, bolstering the unit following some recent injuries.
Williams spent the majority of the season on the practice squad for the Kansas City Chiefs. He previously played for the Indianapolis Colts, where he made the active roster after going undrafted out of Wagner College in 2020.
Williams doesn’t have a lot of game experience, but he did play for the Colts last season. He’s played in 13 games and has 6 tackles to his credit.
In recent weeks, the Browns’ defensive line has suffered a number of significant injuries. With a pectoral injury, tackle Maurice Hurst II is expected to miss the rest of the season, as is defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo has not been ruled out for the season, but the Browns’ second-leading sack artist is not looking good.
Williams may be able to move up to the active roster and help fill some of Hurst’s void. He wasn’t a starter, but he played 39% of the snaps as part of the rotation this season.
Hurst announced the end of his season on social media.
“My 2023 season is over, and the frustration is unbearable,” Hurst said in a statement. “However, I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, staff, and the city of Cleveland for welcoming me and incorporating me into this family…. I’ll be back stronger than ever.”
Browns Could Make Justin Houston a Target
At this point in the season, the Browns’ solutions must be innovative. There are few options, but veteran pass-rusher Justin Houston has become available.
Houston was released by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, December 19, with the team agreeing to give the four-time Pro Bowler a chance to sign with a contender.
A team that wants to claim Houston off waivers would only be liable for $194,000 for the rest of the season. This is due to his contract with Carolina, which included a base salary plus a $4.835 million signing bonus.
Houston could join a pass-rusher rotation that includes Za’Darius Smith and Myles Garrett if he signs with the Browns. Cleveland is 9-5 after a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday and is in prime position to earn the AFC’s top Wild Card spot.
Houston has 112 sacks and 151 starts in his career. The 34-year-old Houston’s time in Carolina did not go as planned, but he had 9.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens last season.
Browns Defense Steps Up Against Bears
This season, the Browns’ defense has been able to overcome a number of key injuries and continue to produce. The unit delivered yet another strong performance against the Bears. That may not have been clear from the final score of 20-17.
Chicago scored twice on interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown and the other of which put the Bears on the 1-yard line.
“I don’t think enough can be said about how well our defense played with all of our turnovers and the few points they gave up,” Browns quarterback Joe Flacco said after the game.
The Browns are allowing the fewest yards per game (261.1) in the league. The unit surrenders 20.6 points per game.
The Browns have a chance to reach double digit victories this week against the Houston Texans, who may be using backup quarterback Case Keenum.
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