The Cleveland Browns are entering a critical season for the team as they hope to have done enough in the offseason to get a winning record. Doubt certainly remains on offense with a lack of super star receiver and youthful running back rotation as injuries could quickly derail progress. That is already becoming a headline for the Browns in training camp as two of their stars are down with issues.
The three-headed running back rotation is down to just one player forcing the Browns to make a signing with training camp underway. According to Pay McManamon of ESPN, both Terrance West and Duke Johnson are struggling with injuries which is pushing Isaiah Crowell into the starting role. Johnson is dealing with a lingering hamstring injury that is causing him to sit out crucial days of training camp. It is unclear exactly what West is dealing with, but head coach Mike Pettine stressed that both running backs would return soon.
The injury to West could be more detrimental than the one to Johnson simply because he is on thin ice already. According to ESPN.com, the Browns have concerns regarding West and his maturity off the field. Already having dealt with issues with Johnny Manziel, the Browns do not want a repeat with another player. West has faced trade rumors this offseason and must prove himself in training camp.
The Browns have depth at the running back position, but not necessarily talented depth. The team could look to a veteran to add to the group considering the bulk of their rotation is two second-year players and a rookie. There are plenty of solid names available for cheap as Steven Jackson, Pierre Thomas and Chris Johnson await attention. Cleveland would be wise not to hesitate to add another body to the roster.
Meanwhile, the Browns are quickly pushing the Josh McCown show in training camp. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the veteran quarterback has been making all of the right throws in training camp working strictly with the first-team offense, but Johnny Manziel is quickly improving as he shakes off the rust from the offseason.
McManamon is reporting that Manziel is coming off one of his best days of practice, looking sharper than before. He made quick throws on target with the second-team offense while showing more maturity in the huddle. Cleveland is reportedly impressed with how Manziel is handling himself this season in terms of off-the-field problems which could help his future with the franchise.
