Browns Sign a Pair of Running Backs to Account for Injuries

Not including FB Malcolm Johnson, the Cleveland Browns entered this year's training camp with six running backs. At the start of Sunday's practice, the team was down to three running backs, prompting coach Wilbert Montgomery to joke with the fans about them having a small group and looking for a few tryouts among the fans.

By the end of Sunday's practice, only two running backs remained: Isaiah Crowell and Shaun Draughn. That is a little too close for comfort in terms of numbers at the position, prompting the team to sign two running backs on Monday: RB Timothy Flanders and RB Jalen Parmele. They are expected to suit up for practice on Tuesday.

Flanders (5-9, 210 lbs) spent most of camp with the New Orleans Saints in 2014 as an undrafted free agent. Parmele is actually a veteran running back, and at 29 years old, he has the most experience at the position on the team. He entered the league in 2008 as a sixth-round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins. He spent about three years as a reserve with the Baltimore Ravens before bouncing between the Jaguars, Titans, and Cardinals the past couple of years. He has 48 career carries for 187 yards (3.9 YPC) and also has some kick return experience.

RB Terrance West (calf cramps) is expected to return to action soon, and the other day, head coach Mike Pettine hinted that RB Glenn Winston (knee) was close to being ready as well. We're not sure when RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) or RB Luke Lundy (concussion) will be available. Flanders and Parmele both sound like camp rentals out of necessity, but one of them could stick around until the end of camp if the injuries to the primary backs continue to linger.

To make room for the two roster moves, the team waived veteran WR Kevin Cone and DB Brandon Stephens. Stephens was the local kid who had been playing with the Cleveland Gladiators.