The Cleveland Browns were preparing to enter the season with what they considered a three-headed monster rushing attack. Last season both Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell had breakout rookie campaigns running tandem in the backfield. They return along with the newly drafted Duke Johnson who is expected to be the second-coming of Darren Sproles. However, with almost two weeks of training camp under the team's belt, the Browns are not thrilled with their running back options and could search for help on the free agent market.
The Browns are hoping to rely heavily on the rushing attack in 2015, but right now none of their options are grasping the chance to be a starter. It was expected that West and Crowell would battle it out for the top spot, but so far no one is impressed with the effort.
"The disappointing thing was that all those guys approaching here and not being in tip-top shape," running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said, via ESPN.com. "I think that was a total setback, and now they are climbing back uphill and that's why they're taking a back seat right now. If you're going to be a running back, your job is to get hit and your job is being able to bounce back from injuries really quickly because it's most like playing a game every week. Each day you've got to be healthy and ready to go and you've got to play injured, you've got to play sore and you've got to play banged up."
Right now, West and Johnson are dealing with hamstring injuries that have held them back in practice. That opens the door for Crowell to step up as the starter, but according to Montgomery, "nobody wants the role." West has already been battling rumors of a release or trade and this criticism certainly is not helping his cause. With depth becoming an issue, could the Browns sign a veteran to help with the young rotation?
There are several options available on the open market for the Cleveland Browns to take a look at. Of course the most high-profile player is Ray Rice. ESPN.com is reporting that Rice has been calling teams trying to push a contract before the season begins. He would be a home-run hit, but a media headache. Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson and Pierre Thomas also remain quality options for Cleveland.
With Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel battling it out for the top spot at the quarterback position, having a good run game will be critical for the Browns. Having two big injuries certainly stalls the offense out. Cleveland would wait and see how players return for injuries before considering adding a name to the roster.
