The Cleveland Browns continue to make adjustments to their roster heading into the 2015 season. After expressing displeasure in their current rotation of young backs, the Browns were eyeing moves on the roster. As the made their move towards the 53-man roster, Terrance West was the running back to get the boot as the team traded him to the Tennessee Titans despite having a solid rookie season. With one running back out, does this open the door for Ray Rice?
According to Cleveland.com, the Browns traded West to the Titans because of immaturity and inconsistency. West had a solid rookie year running in tandem with Isaiah Crowell, but did not return for his sophomore season with the same drive and power. Head coach Mike Pettine was critical of the running backs as both West and Crowell struggled at the start of the year and one likely had to go. Now with just Crowell and Duke Johnson, who is sidelined with a concussion, on the roster is there an addition coming?
According to sources via Pro Football Talk, the Browns are eyeing a veteran back to add to the roster. Of course, Rice is the first name on the bubble. Pettine has hinted at the idea of adding Rice saying the team was not at that point just yet. The Browns are the best landing spot for the former Baltimore Raven if he is going to play this season. It is unknown exactly what his future will look like, but Cleveland could make the move considering Crowell has not been great and Johnson has missed the entire preseason. Will it happen? It seems unlikely, but Pettine has been thinking of the idea so nothing can be ruled out.
The Browns need a dominant run game if the quarterback position is going to succeed. The team is planning on starting Josh McCown as they hope he pick things up after a lackluster preseason performance. Johnny Manziel has been out with an elbow injury, but plans on being healthy for Week 1 which could put some question marks on the position. According to Pay McManamon of ESPN, Manziel is back to throwing after being out since Aug. 23. The Browns are confident his elbow will not be a reoccurring issue. Manziel is not expected to see playing time in the first game of the season, but if he can improve quickly, anything is possible for the future.
The Browns will rely on their receiving game which now features Terrelle Pryor who made the roster after transitioning from the quarterback position. He will join Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline in the rotation while also seeing time at the quarterback spot.
