BREAKING: Browns Part Ways With RB Ahead of Broncos Matchup

RB and Browns part ways before the Broncos game

The Cleveland Browns released John Kelly.

The Cleveland Browns released John Kelly from their practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Kelly is a familiar face in Cleveland. He appeared in five games with the Browns in the 2021 and 2022 seasons and also played in Cleveland in the preseason. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018.

His last stint with the Browns came in late October when Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt were injured. Currently, Ford and Hunt are relatively healthy, and Pierre Strong Jr. is also healthy. This was presented as a third option.

The Browns’ field game is underway and Pro Bowler Nick Chubb is on the field. Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 and recently underwent surgery to repair his ACL.

Cleveland ranks third in the NFL with 142.7 rushing yards per game, behind the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens. The Browns currently have an open spot on their practice squad and could be looking to add a safety after the season-ending injury to veteran Rodney McLeod. He was officially placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, November 21st. McLeod has appeared in all 10 games this season with five starts. Recorded 23 tackles and a defense. He joined the Browns as a free agent last May. It would be a significant loss for Cleveland, with cornerback Greg Newsome expressing how hard McLeod has worked as a leader of the unit. “What this defense is and how resilient we want to be on the field starts with Rod. I mean, if we’re going to do this, we have to do certain things,” Newsom said Monday, Nov. 20. “The only thing we have on this defense is Rodney McLeod. So it’s definitely not the same thing. I think defense is everything. He left his mark on this team and the defense.

Fortunately, the Browns still have two solid safeties in Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit. Thornhill is currently receiving treatment for an ankle injury. If Thornhill is unable to play against the Broncos, Ronnie Hickman will get more playing time. The Browns have officially signed Joe Flacco.

The Browns’ biggest move this week was the signing of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl MVP comes in and provides veteran leadership alongside Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker. Flacco appeared in 183 games and made 180 starts for the Ravens (2008-18), Broncos (2019) and New York Jets (2020-22). Flacco has completed 3,881 of his 6,299 career passes (61.6%) with 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. As a starting pitcher, he compiled a 99-81 (.550) record.

The Browns plan to use Thompson-Robinson as the starter against the Broncos, but Flacco could take over that role if the rookie struggles. “Dorian starts and Joe’s job is to support this team,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. “When we got here, we were able to add an experienced guy. It will fit the room perfectly. “He will be a great addition to this team.”

The Broncos have won four in a row and are favored by 1.5 points at home over the Browns.