Browns release Foreman, Ika

   On cutdown day for what is called the "initial" 53, the Cleveland Browns dropped a few interesting names, and while some could be returned to the practice squad should things work out on the waiver wire, others might not have problems finding a new home.

The biggest surprise was running back D'onta Foreman, who was signed in the offseason as the hard yardage back and was expected to help the ground game in the early season absence of Nick Chubb.

Foreman suffered a scary neck injury in camp and left the final preseason game against Seattle with a rib injury, so the Browns may have felt that Foreman's injuries were a luxury that they couldn't afford with Pierre Strong also dinged up among a running back room not filled with depth.

That lack of depth could see the Browns scoop up a back in the next day (perhaps Samaje Perine, who could be waived by Denver) to feel a bit safer, although I've always liked Foreman as a back.

I wonder if he'd be interested in a return when healthy or maybe there is something we don't know about Foreman and the Browns relationship that may have played a part in this decision.

Cleveland also declared David Bell the winner for the final spot at wide receiver with the Browns releasing Michael Woods and James Proche.

Woods was the Browns' sixth-round pick in 2022 and missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury but caught five passes and two touchdowns in the final preseason game.

Proche was used as a punt returner last season and is noted for his special teams play.

I think the Browns would be interested in signing either or both to their practice squad ( and maybe another released receiver in Jaylen Darden) but I think someone is likely to sign Woods during the scramble period.

Cleveland released two players that may return after the dust settles as the team let goTony Brown and Justin Hardee.

Both can play in the secondary in a pinch, are top-notch special teamers, and as veterans will not have to clear the waiver wire, so deals may have been arranged with one or both to hang around town.

Cleveland is very deep along the interior of the defensive line and two recent draft picks didn't make the cut as 2023 third-rounder Siaki Ika and 2024 seventh Jowan Briggs were released.

Briggs is a player who could return to the practice squad and while Ika was a high draft pick, Andrew Berry usually gives his picks every possible chance to succeed, considering that- it says volumes that the Browns have given up on the former Baylor Bear this quickly.

Cleveland has placed four quarterbacks on the roster for now (DeShaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Tyler Huntley) but this is likely to see if they can get something for one of them before they are forced to let one player (my guess is Winston if there is a trade, Huntley if they release someone) go for no return.

The Browns also released veteran offensive tackle German Ifedi, which means the Browns feel good about the health of Jack Conklin and/or Jedrick Wills before the opener as Ifedi was the main depth after an injury to James Hudson.