Cleveland Browns searching for RB depth
By Jason Marcum
The Cleveland Browns at one time this offseason had a wealth of running backs to upgrade a running game that has been non-existent in Cleveland over the past decade. That is, outside of what Trent Richardson was able to do as a rookie in 13 games last year (950 yards), but with his injury-history, he needs one or two solid backups to take some of the workload off of him. With Dion Lewis and Monterio Hardesty on the injured reserve list, the Browns signed RB Dennis Johnson to the practice squad today.
Johnson was waived by the Browns on Saturday after being claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans the previous weekend. He’s one injury to a thin Browns backfield away from being on the active roster and maybe even receiving a few touches per game.
A former Arkansas standout, the all-purpose running back rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown during the preseason.
"“Johnson has shown some signs, has practiced extremely well,” Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak said in August. “It hasn’t transferred to the field the way I’d like it to, but there has been some good things. He’s excellent in his pass protection. Last night, not much happened in the run game and then he turns the ball over, which obviously you can’t do. We’re going to continue to give him opportunities because it’s been an excellent camp.”"