Before Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns released running back John Kelly from the practice squad.

Kelly is a well-known figure in Cleveland. He appeared in five games for the Browns during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, as well as the preseason. He was drafted in 2018 by the Los Angeles Rams.

His most recent stint with the Browns began in late October, when both Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt were injured. Ford and Hunt are both relatively healthy at the moment, and Pierre Strong Jr. has established himself as a viable third option.

With Pro Bowler Nick Chubb out, the Browns’ ground game has been chugging along. Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 and recently underwent ACL surgery.

With 142.7 rushing yards per game, Cleveland is third in the NFL, trailing only the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens.
After Rodney McLeod’s injury, the Browns may look to add a safety.
Following the season-ending injury to veteran Rodney McLeod, the Browns now have an open spot on their practice squad and could look to add a safety. On Tuesday, November 21, he was officially placed on injured reserve.

McLeod appeared in all ten games this season, starting five. He had 23 tackles and one pass breakup. He signed as a free agent with the Browns in May. Cleveland will suffer a significant loss, with cornerback Greg Newsome emphasizing McLeod’s importance as a unit leader.

“What this defense is about, and how we perform on the field, and how resilient we are, it all starts with Rod.

“I mean, just coming in and telling us that if we want to make it, we have to do these specific things,” Newsome explained on Monday, November 20. “Rodney McLeod represents everything we stand for on defense.” So it’s clearly not just one thing. It appears to be the entire defense.

Fortunately, the Browns retain two reliable safeties in Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit. Thornhill is currently out with a calf strain.

If Thornhill is unable to face the Broncos, Ronnie Hickman will see increased playing time.

The Browns have made Joe Flacco’s signing official.
The signing of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was the Browns’ most significant move this week.

Along with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker, the former Super Bowl MVP will provide veteran leadership.

Throughout his 183 games with the Ravens (2008–18), Broncos (2019), and New York Jets (2020–22), Flacco has made 183 starts.

Flacco has completed 3,881 of 6,299 passes (61.6%) in his career, with 232 touchdowns and 147 interceptions. As a starter, he has a 99-81 (.550) record.

The Browns will go with Thompson-Robinson as their starter against the Broncos, though Flacco could eventually take over if Thompson-Robinson struggles.

“Dorian will start, and Joe’s role will be to support this team,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday.

“We were able to bring in a guy with a lot of experience.” He’ll be ideal for that space. He’ll be an asset to this team.”

The Broncos have won four straight and are a 1.5-point favorite at home against the Browns.