The Cleveland Browns, grappling with a significant number of injuries throughout the season, have made two roster adjustments in preparation for their Week 16 game against the Houston Texans. With 18 players placed on injured reserve, ranking the Browns sixth in the NFL for injuries this season, the quality of sidelined players stands out, constituting 25.78 percent of the team’s salary cap.
To address the ongoing need for depth, the Browns have promoted two players from their practice squad, as reported by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Tanner McCalister, an undrafted rookie safety from Ohio State, and Charlie Thomas III, an undrafted rookie linebacker from Georgia Tech, have been with the Browns throughout the season. While McCalister has primarily been on the practice squad, Thomas III has seen action in two regular-season games, contributing on special teams.
#Browns elevated Tanner McCalister and Charlie Thomas III from the practice squad.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 23, 2023
Although neither player is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming game, they will provide valuable support for special teams and serve as depth options in case of additional injuries. Notably, the Browns will be without safety Juan Thornhill, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., and special teams linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk. D’Anthony Bell is likely to start in Thornhill’s absence, with McCalister as the immediate backup. Thomas III will serve as a reserve linebacker with Walker and Kunaszyk unavailable.
As the Browns aim to secure their first postseason bid since 2020, a victory in Week 16 would be pivotal. Alternatively, they can also secure a playoff spot if certain other teams face losses in the same week.
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