Browns' Mike Pettine doesn't rule out adding Ray Rice if Duke Johnson out for awhile with concussion
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss...ncart_big-photoBy Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group on August 30, 2015 at 2:15 PM, updated August 30, 2015 at 4:12 PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Browns running back Duke Johnson suffering a concussion Saturday night against the Bucs, coach Mike Pettine once again hasn't ruled out adding controversial running back Ray Rice to the roster.
During a conference call on Sunday, Pettine acknowledged that the Browns might have to add a back, and that they'll examine the list of free agents, which includes the former Ravens' Pro Bowler.
"We'll wait and see how long Duke is potentially out,'' said Pettine. "We'll have a whole series of meetings this afternoon. We'll start with the defense first and when we get to the offense, I'll bet the running back will likely be one of the first topics discussed.''
With running backs Shaun Draughn and Glenn Winston still ailing, the Browns might have no choice but to add to the pile. Draughn (thumb) saw some action on special teams in Tampa and Winston is still out after undergoing a recent knee scope.
"We'll see where the conversation takes us,'' said Pettine. "I think we need the medical report first, kind of see where Shaun is, make sure the other guys came out of it okay, get an update on Duke and weigh all of those factors. Getting Shaun back certainly helps.''
Asked specifically if Rice is an option, Pettine said, "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.''
The list right now is short, and Rice one of the best choices on it. But he poses a potential enormous distraction, considering that he was suspended two games last year for knocking his then fiancé out cold in an elevator and dragging her out of it.
If the Browns can exercise some patience, some quality backs should become available in the first round of cuts from 90 to 75 on Tuesday and the final cuts to 53 on Saturday.
The problem is, they might find themselves shorthanded for the preseason finale against the Bears Thursday night, and they're trying to get out of the preseason healthy.
Plenty of starters will rest during that game, including quarterback Josh McCown. It's likely that members of the first team offensive line will also rest, which could put the starting backs in harm's way if the blocking is insufficient.
As it stands, Johnson won't play in Chicago, and Draughn is still wearing a cast on his left hand and probably won't be ready to carry the ball yet. Running back Luke Lundy is coming off a concussion and didn't play in Tampa. The Browns also have newcomers Jalen Parmele and Timothy Flanders who could help carry the load in practice and the final preseason game.
If the Browns just need an extra back to carry them through the Bears game, they're unlikely to sign Rice. But if they feel they need a longer-term replacement for Johnson, they might give it more thought.
Johnson, who missed the previous three weeks of camp with a strained hamstring, suffered the concussion on a second-quarter field goal drive when he jumped for a high pass from Josh McCown and was blasted by cornerback Mike Jenkins.
Johnson lost his mouthpiece and then walked gingerly to the sidelines, where the medical staff quickly determined that he needed a neurological exam and took away his helmet. Soon, he was on his way to the locker for more thorough tests, and was diagnosed with a concussion.
"He'll be in the league's concussion protocol so we'll know more as the week goes on,'' said Pettine.
Pettine acknowledged after the game that losing Johnson again was the "biggest downer of the night.'' The Browns think so much of their third-round pick out of Miami that they gave him the start in Tampa over Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West despite the fact that he had barely practiced all preseason.
"We've seen what he can do at practice and that's important,'' said Pettne. "That's why we were so positive, so optimistic about it. But football's about availability and he hasn't been available for much of the preseason. While we're hopeful about the potential, at the same time, it is discouraging to not have him out there.''
Two other available backs are Ahmad Bradshaw, 29, former of the Giants and Colts, and Pierre Thomas, 30, formerly of the Saints.
If the Browns do decide to explore Rice, they'd have the blessing of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who recently told ESPN he'd be fine with him if his football wanted him.
Rice also has some history with the coaching staff here. Pettine spent a year with him in Baltimore and running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery tutored him for six there, during which time he made the Pro Bowl three times and rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times.
Here are some other quick hitters from Mike Pettine's conference call Sunday:
* He said he's hopeful receiver Terrelle Pryor can play Thursday in Chicago. He said Pryor was close to playing in Tampa Bay. "We want to see him play. We're hopeful.'' He added that whether or not he plays in Chicago won't make or break Pryor.
* He repeated what he said after the 31-7 victory over Tampa Bay: that Josh McCown will not play in Chicago. Other starters will also rest.
* On McCown taking big hits: "He's got to understand it's a long season and we need him out there.''
* He said John Greco had the inside track to start at right guard. He added that it's not a slight on No. 19 overall pick Cam Erving.
