The Browns placed veteran inside linebacker Eric Barton on the injured reserve today, putting an end to his season. Barton had a bulging disc in his neck from before the bye week against the Chicago Bears. LB D'Qwell Jackson's season ended a few weeks ago due to injury.
It has already been confirmed that former starting outside linebacker David Bowens will start at one of the inside linebacker positions. It is likely that rookie Kaluka Maiava will start at the other one.
With the move, the Browns are back to having two open roster spots.
In practice squad moves, WR Darnell Jenkins' run with the team didn't last too long as he was released to make room for RB Thomas Brown. Here is what the OBR says about Brown:
Brown, originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round (172nd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft, was waived by the Falcons on September 5, 2009. A four-year letterman at the University of Georgia (2004-07), Brown ranks fifth in Bulldogs history with 2,646 rushing yards. He also recorded 23 rushing touchdowns. Born on May 15, 1986, the 5-8, 200-pounder is a native of Tucker, Georgia.
My guess is that if we haven't already promoted two players from our practice squad to take our open roster spots, we'll probably sign two free agents from other teams (or grab two players from other teams' practice squads).
Pro Football Talk reported that per a league source, the Browns worked out LB Rocky Boiman today. Boiman was originally a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans back in 2002. Boiman saw the most action of his career last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, when he played in 11 games and registered 73 tackles. Boiman also has a Super Bowl ring from his days with the Indianapolis Colts.