The run game for the Cleveland Browns continues to raise eyebrows especially after a poor showing in the team's first preseason game. The Browns entered the year hopeful the young tandem of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell plus the addition of Duke Johnson would be enough to get the team through the year, but so far all these players have done is get injured and brought on a lot of criticism. With questions remaining, what will it take for Cleveland to add someone to the roster?
Johnny Manziel was the only player with an impressive run against the Washington Redskins. The duo of West and Crowell combined for just 45 yards on 19 carries causing even more criticism of the roster. Running back coach Wilbert Montgomery spoke out saying no one wants to be the starter as everyone appears open to the idea of a roster addition, the question is who will it be.
According to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ray Rice is still a lingering option. Both Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer have stated Cleveland is interested in the idea of bringing on Rice, but also noted that other players remain available. Chris Johnson appears headed for the Arizona Cardinals which leaves Rice, Pierre Thomas and Steven Jackson as the best available.
Both West and Johnson are coming off injuries, which is causing the Browns to be patient. While West started the year in the doghouse for the Browns, Pettine has warmed up to the idea of the second-year player staying put. Either that or he has no other options at the moment.
"No, we have a plan," Pettine said, via Cleveland.com. "It is a long preseason. Obviously, Terrance coming off the injury and Crow probably having too heavy a load at practice, I am not going to hit the panic button after the first preseason game about our run game. We will be fine."
Injuries are not just hitting the ground game. Terrelle Pryor remains out with a hamstring injury which could be hurting his chances at making the Browns. The quarterback turned receiver is hoping to be on the roster come Week 1 and Pettine not ready to give up on Pryor just yet despite the injury.
"He's not guaranteed a spot, but I also wouldn't write him off," Pettine said, via The Plain Dealer. "He's still in-between. That sense of urgency now is ramped up. It's a tighter window to see it. We are certainly not going to just hand him a spot based on potential. He's gotta show us, but what he's showed us so far has been encouraging."