Browns release QB, promote S Kai Nacua, LB B.J. Bello to active roster

On Friday, the Cleveland Browns announced that they have promoted safety Kai Nacua and linebacker B.J. Bello from the practice squad.

Two roster spots became available on Thursday, one of which came when the team released safety Calvin Pryor for getting into a fight with a teammate. The other spot involved the quarterback room — who ended up leaving between Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, and Josh Woodrum? The answer is Woodrum.

You might wonder why Cleveland claimed Woodrum in the first place, if they were going to waive him with after being on the roster for just a couple of days. There are a couple of theories one could come up with:

• The team might have been initially trying to trade Cody Kessler, making Woodrum an insurance policy if they were able to find a suitor.
• On Wednesday, Woodrum was asked if he would provide intel on the Ravens. His response was, “Yeah, obviously, I have some information on them. They are going to ask me what they need to know about them, and I’m going to help them as best I can because the Browns are my team now.” It’s unclear if Cleveland had gotten to that point yet, since this is still Steelers week.
• Cleveland may have really preferred to have Woodrum on their practice squad. Teams might be less inclined to change their 53-man roster as Sunday approaches, so it’s reasonable to think that claiming him initially, only to cut him near Sunday, will help him clear waivers so the team can add him to their practice squad today.

Nacua will likely be active on Sunday, due to the team’s limited number of defensive backs. Bello was a surprise inclusion for the 53-man roster, but perhaps the team will need him for special teams purposes.