BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns intended to add a third quarterback but instead of finding one for the practice squad they got one off waivers for the active roster.
Cleveland was awarded Kellen Mond from the Vikings after claiming him off waivers.
“I think what we’re trying to do and what Andrew’s [Berry] trying to do is make sure we have developmental players,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “[He’s] Somebody that we evaluated a couple years ago, so bring him in and see what we have.”
To make room for Mond on the active roster defensive end Isaac Rochell was waived by the team.
Mond reportedly was set to sign with the Vikings practice squad had he gone unclaimed, instead the Browns spend a valuable roster spot to add a third QB behind Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs.
“Yeah, that’s a valuable spot but obviously we identified Kellen as a guy that we wanted to add to our roster,” Stefanski said.
Minnesota selected Mond in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Texas A&M product appeared in one game last season where he completed 2 of 3 passes for 5 yards.
“I would hope for all of our guys to have a long-term future, I mean that is the idea behind the roster,” Stefanski said. “But we’ll get him in here tonight and I’ll shake his hand tomorrow and start teaching him the offense.”
Back at it – Right tackle Jack Conklin and defensive end Chase Winovich returned to practice Wednesday.
“Good to have Chase out there,” Stefanski said. “He has been battling that injury for a couple of weeks here. It is good to just progress him out here in individual, some team periods special teams and all of that.”
It was thought that Winovich was on the bubble because of the injury and with him playing with the third team defense at Jacksonville in the preseason opener.
“I would not read too much into one preseason game, if you will,” Stefanski said. “He is somebody who we worked in a lot with the ones and twos previous to that game, and we have tape on him. We kind of know the player. Excited about what Chase is going to do for us.”
As for Conklin, the team continues to bring him along slowly leading up to the opener.
“I am not going to get too far ahead, but he is progressing,” Stefanski said. “He is where we want him.”
Practice squad adds – The Browns signed LB Dakota Allen, WR Daylen Baldwin, TE Miller Forristall, WR Mike Harley, C Brock Hoffman, CB Shaun Jolly, RB John Kelly, CB Herb Miller, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, DT Roderick Perry, OT Alex Taylor and David Moore, who moves from OT to DT, to the practice squad.
“We are excited about those guys,” Stefanski said of Harley and Baldwin returning. “Individually, both made a lot of plays in practice. I know DB was somebody who we got later on. Mike Harley from the beginning has done a nice job for us so excited about his development. DB worked through that injury the last maybe 10 days or so. Having him back out there, it was great to see.”
All 12 players were with the team during training camp.
Moving Moore to defensive tackle is an intriguing move, one the organization felt was worth taking a look at.
“He was a scout team defensive tackle for us – as you know, when you are late in the season, you are kind of kicking guys over – and he was really strong and difficult for our guys to block sometimes,” Stefanski said. “Just felt like at this point it made sense to see what he has over there. He is excited about it. I am excited about it for him. It is versatility really is what it is. He can line up and give us a scout team look when our No. 1 offense is out there, and then when our No. 1 defense is out there. he can kick over to the [scout team] offense and can give you reps, as well.”
Lost one – Offensive lineman Blake hance was the only player waived by the Browns Tuesday to be claimed. He is off to San Francisco after the 49ers were awarded him.
Roll call – S Ronnie Harrison, CB AJ Green, OT Chris Hubbard, RG Wyatt Teller and DE Jadeveon Clowney did not practice.
Up next – Practice Thursday morning before the three day weekend.