The Cleveland Browns are not certain what to do with their running back rotation. Terrance West has been the best of the bunch so far, but he has had very little competition with injuries running wild in the backfield. Isaiah Crowell has struggled with consistency while Duke Johnson has yet to make his debut following a hamstring injury and concussion. With the ground game needed to help the quarterback, West admits he would like to see Ray Rice join the group.
Head coach Mike Pettine confirmed that the Browns were discussing the addition of a running back. He has confirmed that Rice's name is part of that discussion. Right now, Rice is the best available on the market unless the Browns seek a reunion with Trent Richardson. Fred Jackson is getting picked up by the Seattle Seahawks, so options are limited if Cleveland wants quality at the spot. According to West, he is good friends with Rice and would be open to the former Baltimore Ravens running back joining the team.
"Ray Rice, that's my guy," said West, via Cleveland.com. "I hope he gets a second chance no matter where he goes. I just hope he gets a second chance. He's like a big brother to me. If he came here, we'd compete."
The Browns do not have a clear-cut starter and they lost their dynamic rookie for the time being. They are running low on playmakers. Terrelle Pryor has yet to make an impact on the field. Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline are the only receivers showing consistency for Josh McCown. Cleveland needs another threat on the field and Rice is that guy. The question is whether the team is ready for the media storm. They just got the television cameras away from the Johnny Manziel Show. Are they ready to welcome them back if Rice were to sign?
"If we do come to the decision that we need to add a back that is not here, we'll look at the list of backs that are available," Pettine said, via ESPN.com.
Other options for the Browns would include Pierre Thomas, Ben Tate, Felix Jones and Steven Jackson. The Browns could try and wait for the next round of roster cuts if they are not ready to make the call on Rice. However, they could sign the running back now, get the media attention out of the way and move on with the season.
