Cleveland Browns rumors: Browns to use wide receiver by committee?

With Josh Gordon facing a year-long suspension for repeated marijuana use, the Cleveland Browns are in a tight spot at the wide receiver position this season. But offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan recently hinted at a solution to the problem.

More from Cleveland Browns

Give everyone on the roster a fair shot.

In a recent talk with cleveland.com, Shanahan came right out and openly expressed that the team will be using a receiver by committee model this season. And in doing so, he specifically pointed out the play of Miles Austin.

"“We expect them all to step up. I expect it to be receivers by committee. I rarely go into games and force the ball to a certain player. Obviously, when you go out there and have a guy like Josh, you’re going to move him around and try and get him the ball, but you’re not going to force it. You hope a guy takes coverage away and you go to where the matchups are. I believe we’ve got a bunch of guys who can separate. (WR) Miles (Austin) has been really good out here. We didn’t have him in OTAs. I’ve known Miles going against him in the NFC East for four years. When he’s been healthy, he’s been a good receiver. He’s been healthy. He’s got his juice back. He’s been great. ‘Hawk’ (WR Andrew Hawkins), as you guys know being in this division, is a tough guy to cover. A lot of these undrafted rookies we have are coming in there and making plays. I have a lot of confidence in our whole group. We’re going to have some moving around. I’m really not worried about who we’re going to because I believe all of them can help us.”"

With the possibility of Gordon being out for the entire year being very real, there will be ample opportunities for anyone to step up and make an impact, and that’s what Shanahan is looking for.

Home/Cleveland Browns