Following a dismal performance in Week 1, the Cleveland Browns continue to alter their roster.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. and receiver Tulu Griffin have been dismissed from the Browns’ practice squad.
Hardee is a well-known name despite not being on the current roster. He has rarely played defence, but he has created a name for himself in special teams. In 2022, he made the Pro Bowl as a special teams ace. Hardee spent the 2023 season with the New York Jets, appearing in 83% of special teams snaps.
The Browns used an open practice squad spot to sign tight end Geoff Swaim, who worked out for the team on Tuesday. Cleveland needs more depth at tight end, as David Njoku’s health is unknown. Njoku suffered an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys and is anticipated to miss some time. It is unclear when he will return.
“Working through all of those types of things today and tomorrow,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday. “But we have options, and we’ll work through them.”
If Njoku misses time, veteran tight end Jordan Akins will face a significantly increased workload.
The Browns also signed linebacker Khaleke Hudson from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. Cleveland linebackers Tony Fields II and Mohamoud Diabate are also expected to miss time.
The Browns signed WR Kadarius Toney earlier this week.
The Browns’ most noticeable move following their Week 1 loss was the addition of divisive pass-catcher Kadarius Toney.
Toney was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after the preseason, but he had other suitors. The former first-round pick chose to sign with the Browns, joining Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and others.
“Former Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney is signing with the Browns, giving Cleveland another playmaker,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted. “He also went to the Seahawks and had people lined up. But, in the long and short term, Toney settles in Cleveland.”
Last season, he caught 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown across 13 regular-season games. Toney’s most memorable performance in a Chiefs uniform occurred in the Super Bowl last season. He grabbed one pass for a score and returned a long punt to help the Chiefs win the championship.
Toney will begin his career on the practice squad, but he will most likely be promoted to the regular roster soon.
The Browns’ passing game needs to find rhythm.
The Browns offence appeared out of sync against the Cowboys. Part of this was attributed to Dallas’ excellent defence. Quarterback Deshaun Watson under consistent pressure, taking 17 hits and being sacked six times.
Despite the pressure, Ken Dorsey’s new-look offence looked sloppy for the majority of the afternoon. Watson consistently missed receivers, the run game lacked vitality, and the majority of the Browns’ 230 yards of offence came with the game already out of reach.
“We just have to go out there and do our best offensively, and that includes everyone. It is coaching, as well as players from all positions on the roster. Stefanski stated that “we own what happened (on Sunday).” “Obviously, we’re not thrilled with those results, but we’re going to learn from it and we’ll better this week.”
The Browns will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
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