Browns claim RB Brandon Wilds, say goodbye to RB George Atkinson

The Cleveland Browns made their first roster moves of their 2017 training camp, releasing running back George Atkinson III and claiming running back Brandon Wilds, who most recently spent time with the New York Jets, the team announced on Friday.

Atkinson, claimed off of waivers by the Browns last fall after being released by the Oakland Raiders, was an undrafted rookie pickup by the Raiders in 2014. He both served as a running back and kick returner, but only handled the latter duties as a member of the Raiders’ active roster in 2014, with seven returns for 134 yards. For Cleveland, he dressed in all 16 games a season ago, serving as a backup running back and also returning eight kickoffs for 137 yards.

Wilds was also an undrafted rookie, signed in 2016 by the Atlanta Falcons before making his way to the Jets. A season ago, he spent 10 weeks on the Jets’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster, where he totaled 10 carries for 27 yards and two receptions for 20 yards in four games. Wilds will be competing with Matthew Dayes and Terrence Magee for the Browns’ third-string running back spot this summer.